An Open University research centre which trains and supports children to research topics of importance to them has been shortlisted in The Guardian University Awards’ outstanding research impact category.
The Children’s Research Centre (CRC) which empowers children as active researchers was announced as one of three nominated projects on the Higher Education Network site on Tuesday 18 December and winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on Wednesday 27 February 2013.
The CRC, which is led by Founder Director Mary Kellett, Professor of Childhood and Youth at the OU, has been at the forefront of child-led research since 2004. It encourages children to research areas which are important to them. This work is an important development within the university’s Centre for Research in Education and Educational Technology.
Outputs reflect findings pertinent to children’s lived experiences and to society more generally. Examples include: internet safety; cultural and race identity issues; bereavement; children’s worries; children’s rights; mobility issues for children of wheelchair users; children’s views about the Police; looked-after children; young Travellers; young carers; TV and gaming; diet and exercise; substance abuse; staying safe; life on housing estates.
Some of this research has influenced policy e.g. a 10 year-old’s research on social isolation factors for children with Graves disease changed practice at Great Ormond Street Hospital; CRC children’s research contributed to Joseph Rowntree’s flagship Education and Poverty programme. Youth-led cyberbullying research, in partnership with Diana Award, hit 72 media outlets and impacted significantly on national anti-bullying week.
Commenting on the award nomination: Professor Kellett said: “It is a great honour to be shortlisted for such a prestigious award and I am delighted that children’s own research is being recognised in this way.”
Find out more:
- Full list of shortlisted awards in The Guardian University awards
- For information about Professor Mary Kellett’s research
