My intellectual project, to which I devote most of my time, teaching, and research efforts, is committed to innovating inclusive health research methods aimed at enhancing health equity and social justice. This endeavor seeks to tap into the collective intelligence and creativity of diverse communities to address health disparities. By encouraging inclusive dialogue and collaboration among researchers, practitioners, and community members, I envision creating a more equitable healthcare landscape where every individual has a voice in shaping health policies and interventions. 

The research projects I work on advance this intellectual project of methodological innovation for inclusive health research in the thematic areas of global health, climate change and mental health, communicable and non communicable diseases. The areas of methodological innovation I work within are evidence synthesis, online and artificial intelligence powered research, arts based participatory research, strategic stakeholder engagement, and knowledge translation.

Embracing participation: Bringing communities into the heart of research 

Author: Ameera Crew

Published: 03/07/2025

https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=11423 

When addressing social issues such as inequality, the climate crisis, or systemic injustices, conventional research methods can fall short of delivering real-world impact. This is where participation and transdisciplinary research step in, not only as buzzwords, but as necessary shifts in how we understand and produce knowledge.  

At a recent Public Squares lecture, Professor Lynn Hendricks of Stellenbosch University’s Department of Global Health unpacked participation in research and its crucial role in shaping effective transdisciplinary research practices.  

From research on communities to research with communities  

Participation in research flips the traditional research process on its head. Instead of viewing community members as passive subjects, it brings them into the heart of inquiry as co-designers, co-producers and co-translators of knowledge. This approach is especially important in health research, where lived experience offers insights that academic theory cannot.  "Participation should not be an add-on in research,” Hendricks emphasised, “rather, it is foundational for ethical and impactful work, especially when addressing the complex ‘wicked problems’ of our time.”  

What makes research transdisciplinary?  

Transdisciplinary research does more than bring different academic fields together. It actively integrates non-academic voices such as those of community members, artists and policymakers to generate knowledge that is inclusive, relevant, actionable, and transformative. It is:  

1. Problem-driven: Tackling multifaceted issues like inequality and poverty.  

2. Co-produced: Built on genuine collaboration with stakeholders throughout all stages of research, from framing questions to disseminating findings.  

3. Inclusive: Recognising and integrating different ways of knowing, beyond traditional scientific norms.  

This method calls for humility, reflection, and adaptability from researchers; qualities often overlooked in traditional academic training.  

Key methods for meaningful participation 

Through her work at Stellenbosch University and with the Public Squares Initiative, Prof. Hendricks and her colleagues have identified several techniques that bring non-academic individuals into the heart of research and knowledge production. These include:  

• Creative methods such as digital storytelling and participatory theatre performances to amplify community narratives.  

• Qualitative research methods that are culturally and context-sensitive, including focus groups, ethnographic observation, and narrative analysis.  

• Technological tools that allow broader, more accessible participation, such as mobile surveys and virtual collaboration platforms.  

Such tools not only make the research process inclusive but also ensure that findings are grounded in the realities of those most affected.    

The benefits and challenges  

While the benefits of participatory and transdisciplinary research are many such as inclusivity, capacity building, and more sustainable and relevant solutions, challenges still loom. Power imbalances within academia, lack of institutional support, funding constraints and communication barriers can hinder the process of authentic participation.  

“It’s not enough to invite communities into research,” Prof. Hendricks noted. “We have to change the structures that determine whose knowledge counts.”  

Lessons for the future of participation in research  

Drawing from various collaborative projects, Prof. Hendricks offered four key lessons for researchers to ensure that community participation in the research is authentic and ethical:  

1. Partnerships between researchers and communities are essential not just at the start, but throughout the research process.  

2. Participatory methods should improve the relevance of findings, especially for communities involved 

3. Technology and the arts can bridge the gap between academia and community.  

4. Institutional change is necessary to scale inclusive research models and ensure that the voices of the vulnerable and marginalised are prioritised.  

As Prof. Hendricks succinctly said: “Unconventional problems require unconventional approaches.”  

Photo by: The Dollie House 

Mega-aggregation Framework Synthesis

Synthesis by Storyboarding

To evaluate the complex interaction within the assemblage of the phenomenon of adherence, and specifically, to explore new materialism in relation to adherence to ART, we introduced a novel approach of Synthesis by Storyboarding, that enabled us to do justice to the very idea of creating an assemblage of intra-acting elements. The analytical technique of storyboarding, which consisted of 9 steps, helped us to make sense of the data collected from primary research papers.  

This innovation increased accessibility to review findings for diverse audiences through images and narrative storytelling. 

A first for a published review. 

To evaluate the complex interaction within the assemblage of the phenomenon of adherence, and specifically, to explore new materialism in relation to adherence to ART, we introduced a novel approach of Synthesis by Storyboarding, that enabled us to do justice to the very idea of creating an assemblage of intra-acting elements. The analytical technique of storyboarding, which consisted of 9 steps, helped us to make sense of the data collected from primary research papers.  

This innovation increased accessibility to review findings for diverse audiences through images and narrative storytelling. 

A first for a published review. 

Participatory Research in Challenging Environments

Strategic Stakeholder Engagement and Knowledge Translation

How have I contributed to the wider research community?

I have contributed to the wider research community by strengthening research quality, fostering inclusive research cultures, building methodological capacity, and creating opportunities for collaboration across disciplines, institutions, and countries.

I currently serve as an Associate Editor for the International Journal of Qualitative Research and as a Guest Editor for BMC Public Health. I regularly review manuscripts for international journals, examine doctoral and master's theses, and contribute to the assessment of research proposals and funding applications. These roles allow me to support rigorous, transparent, and equitable research practices while mentoring authors and reviewers.

I have played an active role in developing methodological capacity within South Africa and internationally. As Co Lead of the QES Africa Hub with Cochrane South Africa, I contribute to strengthening expertise in qualitative evidence synthesis through collaborative teaching, workshops, mentorship, and international partnerships. I also convene postgraduate courses and short courses in participatory research, implementation science, and qualitative methods, helping to develop the next generation of researchers.

A major contribution has been establishing the COCREATE Research Equity Hub, an interdisciplinary platform that promotes inclusive, community-engaged research and challenges traditional research hierarchies by creating meaningful partnerships between researchers, communities, artists, policymakers, and practitioners.

I also contribute to research leadership through conference organisation and knowledge exchange. I served as Conference Chair for the Creative and Engaged Transdisciplinary Research for Health Equity (CREATE) Conference, bringing together researchers, communities, artists, and policymakers to advance dialogue on research equity, participatory methods, and creative approaches to health research.

Through these activities, I aim to strengthen research integrity, promote equitable partnerships, encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, and contribute to a research culture in which diverse perspectives, community knowledge, and methodological innovation are recognised as essential to producing impactful and socially responsive science.

My approach to developing and supporting a positive and inclusive research culture

My approach to research culture is grounded in the belief that excellent research emerges from environments where people feel valued, supported, and able to contribute meaningfully, regardless of their career stage, discipline, or background. I have sought to build research cultures that are collaborative, inclusive, intellectually curious, and grounded in mutual respect.

As Founder and Lead of the COCREATE Research Equity Hub, I have created an interdisciplinary research environment that brings together researchers, students, community members, artists, clinicians, and policymakers as partners in knowledge generation. Rather than maintaining traditional research hierarchies, the Hub encourages shared decision making, co-learning, and recognition of diverse forms of expertise, including lived experience. Community representatives participate in research planning, governance, implementation, and dissemination alongside academic researchers.

My mentorship philosophy extends beyond developing technical research skills. I aim to create opportunities that build confidence, leadership, independence, and professional visibility. Students and early career researchers are encouraged to lead projects, present at conferences, contribute to publications, facilitate workshops, engage with communities, and participate in grant development. I actively support interdisciplinary collaboration by bringing together expertise from public health, psychology, implementation science, qualitative research, digital health, and the arts to address complex health challenges.

Research integrity is embedded throughout my work through transparent decision-making, reflexive practice, meaningful community engagement, and careful attention to ethical research partnerships. I encourage open dialogue, critical reflection, and shared ownership of research while ensuring appropriate recognition of contributions through authorship, presentation opportunities, and leadership roles.