Exploring best practices for user engagement in peace and conflict research

Abstract

Peace and conflict scholars often engage in academic-policy exchanges to both improve the rigour and relevance of their academic research and translate their findings into tangible policy and practical outcomes for peace and conflict resolution efforts. In a first effort of this kind, this paper explores best practices for user engagement in conflict and peace studies at three stages of academic research: identification of research questions, data collection and analysis, and dissemination of research findings. We draw on three strands of research: a review of academic literature on user engagement in conflict and peace studies, inductive thematic analysis of Impact Case Studies submitted to the 2021 UK Research Excellence Framework and experiential reflection on our own work as academics. We aim to provide practical suggestions based on concrete examples, before drawing more general conclusions on what makes for effective involvement of users in peace and conflict research. We find that the impact of specific activities hinges on their timing, format and continuity. We conclude that nurturing sustainable and mutually beneficial networks of partnerships based on mutual trust and open dialogue across professional cultures is key to effective and constructive user engagement in peace and conflict research.