The Loughborough College Research Network has been awarded £10,000 in research funding to support five groundbreaking research projects this academic year.
The funding, awarded by the Mixed Economy Group and the Gatsby Foundation, will enable College staff to explore pressing topics within the further education sector, contributing to professional development and sector-wide advancements.
The research projects will focus on various topics and areas, including the experiences of neurodivergent lecturers, the effectiveness of wellbeing initiatives in education, and innovative approaches to assessment design.
These projects will be led by staff across College, and supported by the Loughborough College Research Network, comprised of leads Kelly Winfield and Harriet Burt, and researchers Chantelle Bramley, Owen Latham, and James Keith.
The Network is a pioneering initiative dedicated to empowering professionals to engage with and contribute to academic research as part of their professional development.
Research Leads Kelly Winfield and Harriet Burt expressed their excitement about the funding, sharing: “We are thrilled to have received this funding, which highlights the importance of the research being undertaken by our staff.
The outcomes of these projects have the potential to make a real difference for students, educators, and the wider community. We hope this success will inspire more colleagues to engage with research to enhance their professional practice and contribute to innovation across the sector.”
The research will play a vital role in addressing current challenges and exploring opportunities to enhance teaching and learning across further education. Updates on the progress and findings of these projects will be shared as they unfold, highlighting the impact of this work on the sector.