Community-Driven Research for Meaningful Impact
MicroResearch helps PhD students turn local questions into evidence-informed action through hands-on research training, mentorship, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Participants develop practical research and community engagement skills while working on challenges that matter to communities, organizations, and society.
Built on the principle that local challenges are best addressed by those who understand them firsthand, MicroResearch supports participants in developing research skills while creating solutions that are grounded in local priorities, contexts, and needs. Since its inception, the program has supported community-focused research in Canada and around the world across a range of disciplines, including health, agriculture, public safety, engineering, and community development.
Why Participate?
MicroResearch helps PhD students strengthen the skills increasingly valued in academic, community, government, and industry settings.
Participants have the opportunity to:
- Develop practical, community-based research and problem-solving skills through hands-on learning.
- Collaborate with peers, researchers, professionals, and community partners from diverse disciplines.
- Strengthen knowledge mobilization and research impact skills.
- Expand professional networks beyond your discipline.
Wherever your research inteterest lies, MicroResearch provides a framework for connecting research with real-world challenges.
What to Expect
MicroResearch combines training, mentorship, and collaborative project development to help participants move from a local question to a research-informed solution.
Participants can expect opportunities to:
- Learn practical research methods and project design during an intensive two-week workshop to develop projects that address real-world challenges.
- Explore community research question within interdisiplinary team with an oppertunity to apply for a $3000 research grant.
- Receive mentorship from experienced researchers and practitioners on community research methods and knowledge mobilization throughout your research project.
By the end of the program, participants will have strengthened their ability to connect research with community needs and contribute to evidence-informed change.