About Us
Welcome to the Research for Social Change Lab. We’re a community-engaged research collective in pursuit of justice and equity.
Founded at Trent University by Dr. Naomi Nichols in 2020, the Research for Social Change Lab (RSCL) aims to mobilize University resources for social change. With our community partners, we design and execute research projects to generate actionable knowledge and creative problem solving around issues such as homelessness, social exclusion and poverty.
Our Values
Joy
Joy is of the highest political and material importance. It should be at the centre of research, as well.
Community
As a team, we aim to cultivate a community of shared learning and mutual support.
Reciprocity
Research takes people’s time. Our findings and our process should provide something useful to all of our collaborators.
Purpose
Our research is oriented towards community goals. Specifically: We aim to foster more just social relations and encourage creative problem solving.
Complexity
Research happens in and is a part of real life. It reveals and attends to chaos, rather than subduing it.
Theoretical Dexterity
We adapt theoretical frameworks and methods to meet community needs. This involves alternative forms of research creation and privileging lived expertise.