Engaged Research Project Outputs

Engaged research in low- and middle-income countries: an evidence map

The South African National Development Plan (NDP) highlights the critical role of science, technology, and innovation in tackling South Africa’s pressing social challenges. Researchers are increasingly encouraged to focus on producing research and innovation outcomes that are ethically sound, sustainable, and aligned with societal needs and values. Engaged research has emerged as a key framework to achieve this, emphasising collaborative and participatory knowledge co-creation between researchers and stakeholders such as communities, civil society, government agencies, industry, and the public. This approach contrasts with traditional research methods by fostering continuous engagement throughout the research cycle, which enhances the relevance, uptake, and societal impact of research. This evidence map set out to collect and organise the knowledge base on engaged research in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This evidence map has been co-produced by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) and the Pan-African Collective for Evidence (PACE). Lorenza Fuks has coordinated the work from HSRC and Promise Nduku from PACE. The evidence map was produced following a rigorous process, based on systematic review methodology, to search for, screen, and extract relevant evidence evaluating the effects of evidence-use interventions. 

The map includes a total of 722 studies following an exhaustive search of both the academic and grey literature, which yielded 46 248 citations. The map is structured according to an intervention and outcome framework. On the left axis are the seven main research disciplines based on the aggregated 27 Scopus subject areas and an additional eighth category on education. On the top axis is the NRF’s principles of engaged research. The presence of bubbles at any point of intersection inside the map indicates the existence of evidence for that intervention (discipline) and outcome (principle) configuration, as shown by green bubbles. The absence of the coloured bubbles indicates gaps exist in terms of research. The bubble size shows the relative size of the evidence base for that intersection of intervention and outcome. The larger the bubble, the larger the evidence-base for that intervention (discipline) and outcome (principle) configuration.

A full technical report of the evidence map is also available. 

The map should be cited as: Nduku, P., Fluks, L.,  Naicker, S., Plantinga, P., Mdlalose, T., Abrahams, H., Couch, M., Dlamini, N., Gastrow, M., Isaacs, N., Khoza, S., Sikhosana, Y., Smith, D., Sobane, K., Mutanha, T., Dlamini, T., Rangoanana, S., Banda, J., & Aluoch, M. A. (2024). Engaged research in low- and middle-income countries: An evidence map. 

Engaged Research Conference 2025

DAY 1 | Engaged Research as a Pathway to Bridging Knowledge and Society

DAY 2 | Engaged Research as a Pathway to Bridging Knowledge and Society

DAY 3 | Engaged Research as a Pathway to Bridging Knowledge and Society

Integrating Evidence, Policy, and Stakeholder Dynamics, highlighting the importance of engaged research

By Thatohatsi Madumo

On 23 July 2026, the Impact and Evaluation Unit hosted a seminar on Integrating Evidence, Policy, and Stakeholder Dynamics, highlighting the importance of engaged research in producing research that is relevant, collaborative and responsive to societal needs. The seminar brought together academics, policy stakeholders to interrogate ways to enhance the mainstreaming of engaged research in the South African NSI.

Speakers were from HSRC, SFA, ICIPE and Ebenezer Stone, marking a shift in focus from inward looking engagements to engagements that prioritize and ignite Africa wide transdisciplinary engagements

“Engaged Research is not only important for science, to create research that are co-created and relevant to societal needs but also research that really impacts and is valuable for the people it intends to serve.” – Dr Lorenza Fluks (HSRC)

The seminar also showcased the Engaged Research Evidence Map, which highlights South Africa’s significant contribution to engaged research in low- and middle-income countries and identifies key research and funding opportunities. Speakers noted that funding priorities are increasingly shifting towards research that is community-engaged, interdisciplinary and socially impactful.

“The key takeaway is that what is fundable is no longer defined by scientific novelty alone; funders are increasingly looking for research that is African-led, interdisciplinary, participatory, ethically grounded and able to deliver measurable benefits for communities, policy and practice…” – Ms Salome Wawire (Science for Africa Foundation)

Food for thought: Research should not end with generating evidence. It’s true value lies in translating evidence into meaningful action that benefits the communities it is intended to serve.

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Digital Collage as a Visual Participatory Method Webinar: From Participants to Co-Creators

By Thatohatsi Madumo

As research continues to move beyond traditional methods, there is a growing recognition of the need for more creative, inclusive, and participant-centred approaches that capture the complexity of human experiences. Visual participatory methodologies are valuable tools that enable participants to express perspectives, emotions, and lived realities that may be difficult to articulate through conventional interviews, surveys, or focus groups.

In response to growing interest in visual participatory methods, the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), in collaboration with Nelson Mandela University (Mandela University), hosted a webinar on Digital Collage as a Visual Participatory Method to explore the use of this emerging methodology in contemporary research.

Opening the session, Dr Candice Groenewald from the HSRC emphasised that visual participatory methods are grounded in meaningful engagement with participants, recognising them as active contributors to the research process. She noted that meaningful involvement is central to participatory research and that not all forms of participation can be considered genuinely participatory.

Visual methodology is about using visual tools to ground social issues from the perspectives and experiences of persons or the communities you are working with – Dr Candice Groenewald

The webinar highlighted how digital collage creates opportunities for researchers and participants to collaboratively generate and co-produce knowledge. Rather than positioning participants as subjects of research, the methodology empowers them to shape how their experiences and realities are represented.

The importance of such approaches is particularly relevant in the South African context. While South Africa’s adult literacy rate stands at approximately 91.15%, significant challenges remain in foundational literacy, with reports indicating that 81% of Grade 4 learners cannot read for meaning. Reflecting on this reality, Dr Candice highlighted that linguistic proficiency is often less necessary in participatory visual research methods such as digital collage. By enabling participants to communicate through images, symbols, and visual narratives, digital collage creates more inclusive opportunities for engagement and knowledge co-production, particularly for individuals who may face barriers to expressing themselves through written or spoken language.

Drawing on the example of Photovoice, Dr Candice demonstrated how visual methodologies can uncover community realities that might otherwise remain hidden. Young people participating in a study used photographs to document challenges within their communities, revealing issues such as sexual coercion, gender-based violence, and substance abuse. The images served as powerful tools for reflection and discussion, allowing participants to communicate complex social concerns through visual expression.

The webinar also explored how emerging technologies are shaping participatory research. Dr Bruce Damon from Mandela University discussed the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in supporting digital collage and participatory methodologies. While acknowledging the growing use of AI tools, he stressed the importance of maintaining a people-centred approach throughout the research process.

Dr Bruce emphasised that participatory visual methods ensure that community voices remain central from project conception through to dissemination, helping researchers avoid imposing external interpretations on participants’ experiences. This approach strengthens the relevance, authenticity, and impact of research findings.

Focusing on the practical application of digital collage, Dr Mandela Nelson explained how the methodology combines various digital tools and technologies to create visual representations of experiences and ideas.

When we talk about collages, we are looking at the creation of visual concept for compositions using different technologies. You have your camera, you have your image editing software, you have online collaborative platforms, you have artificial intelligence tools… – Dr Mandela Nelson

Dr Mandela highlighted that digital collages can communicate experiences that words often cannot, particularly when addressing sensitive or traumatic issues. The methodology also helps overcome language barriers and allows participants to express culturally specific meanings that may be difficult for researchers to interpret through traditional methods alone.

By the end of the webinar, participants had gained valuable insights into the potential of digital collage as a participatory research methodology. The session demonstrated how visual methods can strengthen participant engagement, amplify marginalised voices, and support more inclusive forms of knowledge production. As researchers increasingly seek innovative ways to understand and represent complex social realities, digital collage offers a powerful tool for generating meaningful, community-centred research that can contribute to empowerment, inclusivity, and social change.

The team behind the success of the Engaged Research Conference

What are your highlights?

How hectic or “easy” were the preparations behind the scenes?

Collaborative spirit amongst your team and partners?

The collaboration within the HSRC was genuinely solid. Different units stepped in where needed, shared information openly, and helped troubleshoot issues quickly. What made the biggest difference was the willingness of colleagues to assist even when tasks fell outside their usual scope. It wasn’t about big moments, it was the day-to-day coordination, quick check-ins, and practical support that kept everything moving. The cross-unit teamwork made the process smoother and showed that collaboration at the HSRC is not just possible, but effective when everyone is committed to the same goal.

What are the lessons learned?

A key lesson was the importance of building in buffer time for approvals, communication flows, and last-minute programme adjustments. We also learned that hybrid events require a dedicated technical lead to streamline interfaces between in-person and virtual participants. Most importantly, we were reminded that clear, early delegation of responsibilities prevents unnecessary pressure in the final stretch.

Areas of improvement?

We can strengthen pre-event communication with participants, especially around expectations, logistics, and requirements for speakers. There is also room to refine our documentation process so that we capture insights, decisions, and materials more systematically. A tighter integration of monitoring and evaluation tools from the onset would also enhance post-event reporting and impact assessment.

Rate the success of the event with an emoji

🏌️‍♀️- we hit it out the park

Parting shots? This event reminded us that successful work is built on consistent effort, clear communication, and teams who are willing to support one another. Nothing about the process was perfect, but the commitment from everyone involved made a real difference. We walk away with a better sense of what works, where we can improve, and how we can make future engagements run even smoother. Most importantly, we appreciate the time, patience, and flexibility shown by colleagues across the HSRC. Their willingness to step in, adjust plans, and keep the momentum going is what carried the event through. We’re taking these lessons with us as we prepare for the next phase of work.

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HSRC at the CREATE 2025 Conference

HSRC colleagues Dr Lwando Mdleleni and Akhona Gumede were invited to attend the CREATE 2025 Conference hosted by Stellenbosch University – The Creative and Engaged Research for Health Equity in Africa – hosted at Stellenbosch University in Cape Town.

This groundbreaking conference brought together scholars, creatives, and community leaders to challenge conventional research practices and celebrate Indigenous and creative ways of knowing. Through storytelling, immersive arts, and co-creation labs, participants explored innovative approaches to advancing social and health equity across Africa.

Akhona Gumede chaired a civil society mobilisation session on “Ethics in Community Engagement: Who determines what constitutes ethical engagement in research?” and “Civil Society Mobilisation as the Backbone of a Transformative HIV Response in South Africa.”

Dr Lwando Mdleleni chaired a focused academic and policy session titled “What does it mean to do community-engaged research? What are the rules, and who is making them?” A critical dialogue examining power, legitimacy, and accountability in the co-production of knowledge.

He also presented during the plenary session, “Responding to Manifestos – Where to from here? Where do creativity and research meet for health equity in Africa?” The discussion drew out key priorities and practical pathways for building research ecosystems that amplify community voices, foster equity, and embrace transdisciplinary approaches.

In addition to these contributions, Akhona and Dr Mdleleni shared insights on the Engaged Research (ER) Conference, underscoring HSRC’s ongoing commitment to inclusive, participatory, and socially responsive research.

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Annual Cape Winelands Knowledge Sharing Festival, March 2026

The HSRC participated in the third annual Cape Winelands Knowledge Sharing Festival at Paarl City Hall, organised by Radio KC 107.7, a community broadcaster, in collaboration with Stellenbosch University, the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Drakenstein Municipality, community organisations, and local leadership, including the Mayor, Stephen Korabie.

The festival brought together a diverse range of stakeholders to address youth unemployment through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and evidence-based approaches, while advancing the principles of engaged research and strengthening research visibility and impact. The presence of the Deputy Minister of Social Development, Mr Ganief Hendricks further underscored the importance of linking research to policy and highlighted the HSRC’s role in informing decision-making.

As part of the programme, Dr Konosoang Sobane (Chief Research Specialist, RID) delivered a keynote on science communication and public engagement, emphasising the need to make research accessible and relevant to communities, while the Science and Society Dialogue and panel discussions, facilitated by Akhona Gumede (Project Manager, RID), provided a platform for meaningful exchange among researchers, government officials, civil society, and young people. The programme also included the soft launch of the Evidence Map of Engaged Research Across Low- and Middle-Income Countries, led by Dr Lorenza Fluks (Senior Research Specialist, RDSI), with support from Nonkululeko Dlamini (Research Assistant, RID), contributing to broader engagement activities throughout the festival.

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Engaged Research News

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