UNIVERSITY OF LANCASHIRE

Their core work

The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) is a broad-based UK university with notable strength in social sciences, humanities, and research ethics. Their H2020 portfolio centres on responsible research practices in international contexts, identity and mobility studies in literature and history, and citizen engagement — particularly involving disadvantaged youth. They bring strong capacity in coordinating interdisciplinary projects that bridge academic research with social impact, especially around inclusion, ethics, and science communication.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In the early period (2014–2018), UCLan focused heavily on research ethics, international research integrity, and equity in global research partnerships (TRUST), alongside individual humanities fellowships. From 2019 onward, their focus shifted toward citizen engagement, youth empowerment, and social innovation through participatory science (YOUCOUNT, BIMAAR). The trajectory shows a move from studying ethical frameworks to actively applying inclusive, community-driven approaches.

UCLan is moving toward participatory research methods that engage underrepresented communities, making them a strong partner for projects requiring citizen science or social innovation components.

How they like to work

UCLan coordinates more often than it participates (5 coordinated vs 4 as participant), which is unusual for a mid-sized UK university at this funding level. Their 85 unique partners across 28 countries indicate they build wide, diverse consortia rather than relying on a small circle of repeat collaborators. This suggests a well-connected institution comfortable leading international teams, particularly in coordination and support actions (CSA).

UCLan has collaborated with 85 distinct partners across 28 countries, reflecting a genuinely international network despite modest project volume. Their reach extends well beyond Western Europe, consistent with their focus on global research ethics and developing-country partnerships.

What sets them apart

UCLan occupies an uncommon niche: a university that combines deep humanities expertise (Black studies, literary history, sign language) with applied social innovation and research ethics. This blend is rare — most institutions strong in ethics lack the citizen science and social inclusion track, and vice versa. For consortium builders needing a partner who can handle responsible research conduct, public engagement work packages, or social impact assessment, UCLan is a credible and experienced choice.

Highlights from their portfolio

• TRUST
  Their largest project (€622K, coordinated) addressing equitable international research partnerships — a flagship effort defining their ethics expertise.
• YOUCOUNT
  Most recent project (2021-2024) representing their strategic shift toward citizen science and youth empowerment in social innovation.
• BIMAAR
  ERC Proof of Concept grant on Black inter-American mobility, demonstrating capacity to win competitive individual excellence funding.