Community Collaborative research involves a bringing together of expert and public knowledge, where the identification of and response to contemporary problems and possibilities are undertaken by the engagement in research between an educational institution and a community group.
Whilst inherently addressing many aspects of what is considered excellence in research, experience demonstrates that there are a substantial number of issues which arise from the ethical and practical aesthetics of this co-production which must be identified and addressed from the outset.
Pertinently, TEQSA has cautioned against the use of inadequate partnership agreements, or involvement in research partnerships where the provider is unaware of all pertinent issues. Thus, the seminal issue of whether to collaborate or not and, if so, with whom to partner, involves a myriad of ethical and practical issues. The potential sources of research funding, the inequities which result therefrom, and the demands of accountability must also be addressed. The determination and division of roles, coupled with a realistic agreement as to whether the co- production has sufficient levels of expertise, should be considered against a background of considerations of student involvement and training availability.
Celebratory accounts of community collaborative research projects must not be permitted to distract from consideration of the ethical and practical pitfalls which might befall the ill prepared collaborative researcher.