Social inclusion should be given greater prominence within research into sustainable development. There should also be greater recognition of the importance of environmental factors in research into social inclusion. The use of 'non-traditional' research methods such as participative research, which work with rather than on excluded communities, should receive greater support, and a transparent strategy for the long-term funding of sustainable development research should be developed between Government, Research Councils and other funding bodies in partnership with researchers, charitable organisations and community networks. These are amongst the principal recommendations of a new report 'Sustainable development and social inclusion: Towards an integrated approach to research' published by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.
The lead author of the report Maria Adebowale, Director of Capacity Global and member of the UK Government's Sustainable Development Commission, said
" Research needs to be more relevant to socially excluded communities. It has a vital role to play in delivering social inclusion and sustainable development, however, research must become better at engaging communities if we are to ensure that the results are effective in facilitating positive change. "
The report will be formally launched at the Sustainable Development Research (SDR-) Network's second annual Sustainable Development Research Conference, at the RIBA in London on the 12 December 2002. The report also evaluates the work of the SDR-Network and includes the proceedings of the Network's first (2001) annual conference.
Notes to Editors
1. 'Sustainable development and social inclusion', edited by Malcolm Eames with
Maria Adebowale, is published by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, price £14.95
plus £2.00 post and packing per order. The report can be ordered online
from www.jrf.org.uk. A free PDF version is also available from this site.
2. The Sustainable Development Research Network is a DEFRA funded initiative, co-ordinated by the Policy Studies Institute (PSI) in London. The Network's goal is to contribute to sustainable development in the UK by facilitating the better use of evidence and research in policymaking. See www.sd-research.org.uk
For further information contact
Malcolm Eames, SDR-Network Coordinator, Tel: 020 7468 0468 or 07930561911
Maria Adebowale, Director Capacity Global, Tel: 020 84694671
Issued by, Nelleke van Helfteren, PSI, Head of Communications, 100 Park Village
East, London NW1 3SR, Tel 020 7468 0468, Fax 020 7468 2211, email vanheln@psi.org.uk