Research Ambassadors

What are Research Ambassadors? 

Research Ambassadors are passionate advocates for using data, evidence, and research in their work, to improve how interventions are designed and delivered. This helps to form a fuller picture and the creation of smarter solutions to problems like health inequalities.

The ambassadors play a key role in supporting the work of the Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC).  

We’ve already recruited three Research Ambassadors within the Council, and we’re now expanding the programme to include representatives from the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise sector (VCSEs).

What do Research Ambassadors do?  

• Lead by example: receive dedicated training to build their knowledge of research and evidence-based practice. 

• Champion research: demonstrate how data and research can improve everyday decisions, local policy, commissioning, service design and service delivery. 

• Share knowledge: support colleagues and teams by sharing research insights.

• Build connections: strengthen links between the Council, Universities, partner organisations, and local communities. 

• Shape future work: help identify relevant research topics and put research findings into practice. 

We want to establish a network of Research Ambassadors. Together, these ambassadors will form a supportive network where members share best practices, collaborate on ideas, and help shape the future of the role.  

Why do we need Research Ambassadors? 

Although councils and community organisations are interested in making decisions based on evidence, many don’t have the time, skills, or confidence to use academic research in their work. The Research Ambassador model is based on a successful NHS approach to using research in practice. We're adapting this model to local government and VCSEs to help drive innovation, improve services, and tackle the wider factors that influence health. 

Embedding Research Ambassador roles in local councils and VCSEs also provides valuable benefits for universities. These roles can act as vital connectors between academic research and the real-world settings where it can make a difference. Working with ambassadors offers Universities on-the-ground insight into community needs, challenges, and local priorities.  This can help shape more relevant, responsive university research ensuring it is more inclusive, by involving seldom-heard voices and communities. 

Research Ambassadors in the Voluntary Sector

In August 2025, Coventry HDRC launched a new funding opportunity for local voluntary sector organisations. The goal? To help these groups get more involved in research and build their capacity to use data and evidence in their work.

Each organisation that received funding has chosen a Research Ambassador – someone who will promote the use of research and data within their organisation. These ambassadors will also join a wider network across Coventry to share ideas and support each other.

In addition to the main grant, successful organisations will also receive extra funding to help grow their research skills and activities.

The following organisations have been awarded funding:

1. ACH (Ashley Community & Housing Ltd)
2. Action Family Network
3. Aptitude Organisation CIC
4. Carriers of Hope
5. Central Hall
6. Coventry Citizens Advice
7. Feed The Hungry / Coventry Food Bank
8. Inini Initiative Ltd

Want more information?   

Refer to our Research Ambassadors and Building Research Capacity Grant and our Research Ambassadors and Building Research Capacity Grant Specification.