Created in partnership with The Wheel, this practical and accessible guide bridges the gap between universities and communities, offering a clear path toward meaningful, collaborative research.

Designed for both academic researchers and community practitioners, it cuts through jargon to provide straightforward advice on how to build strong, effective partnerships.

Whether you are new to community-oriented research or looking to deepen your practice, this book offers a step-by-step roadmap—from planning and implementation to navigating the real-world challenges that often arise along the way.

It highlights the perspectives, needs, and expectations of both academic and community partners, helping each to better understand the other and avoid the small misunderstandings that can derail collaboration.

Packed with practical insights, real-world guidance, and a curated collection of open-access resources and activities, this book equips readers with the tools they need to succeed.

With a focus on the Irish context, it underscores the growing importance of evidence-based approaches in the community and voluntary sector, and the powerful impact that genuine collaboration can achieve.

Engaging, informative, and refreshingly clear, this is an essential resource for anyone committed to working together to create research that truly makes a difference.

THE AUTHOR

Maura Adshead is Professor of Politics and Public Administration and Head of Community Engagement at the University of Limerick. Maura has published several books on Irish politics and public policy; engaged pedagogy and research in a variety of journals and carried out commissioned research for many Government bodies.

THE ILLUSTRATOR

Hugh McMahon studied painting and graduated from the Limerick School of Art and Design in 1998 and qualified as an Art psychotherapist in 2010. Hugh has published several comic books including: Limerick Folktales (2010), Limerick Slang (2016), and Tall Tales from Limerick City (2017).