Iftikhar Ali and Lisa Axelsson.

“We are not lab rats”

In participatory research, and Community Based Participatory Action Research (CBPR) in particular, research is conducted not on, but together WITH the participants. They are seen as equal partners in the process, not subjects to be studied. Many times, they are referred to as co-researchers or community researchers. But what does it mean to be involved in research as a co-researcher? And what should academics keep in mind when involving participants as partners?

Iftikhar Ali shares her experiences from the many years she has worked as a Lay Health Promoter and community researcher in the Equal Health research programme in Lindängen, Malmö. She is joined by Lisa Axelsson, doctoral student at Malmö University and Iftikhar's colleague. After having collaborated for nearly two years, they will talk about their relationship, positionality, trust building, and share some very practical and hands on advice, from their different perspectives.

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