Learn Together
‘Learn Together’ is a new initiative designed to empower university staff and students to collaborate ethically with people who are typically underrepresented in research.
From February to May 2026, four community organisations – each representing a different underserved group – will lead open workshops for everyone (all disciplines and career stages welcome) to listen and learn together about how to engage ethically with under-represented groups.
The aim of these workshops will be to co-produce a new set of training materials aimed at researchers around ethical and inclusive community engagement. By participating in these workshops, you will be contributing to this important process and resource output.
Learn Together is lead by members of the Public and Community and Engagement Group.
Learn Together: Launch & Information Session - January 22, 2026
9.30am-12.00pm, Thursday January 22, 2026 | Advanced Research Centre
Join us for the launch of ‘Learn Together’, a new initiative that aims to foster ethical collaboration with communities.
Research shows that while many university staff and students are keen to collaborate with underserved communities, they often lack the confidence or knowledge to do so effectively. In some cases, this knowledge-gap leads to harmful practices that erode relationships.
To celebrate the launch of this programme, we’re hosting an event for staff and postgraduate researchers to share their experiences of community engagement, including any anxieties or barriers that may have limited to your participation. There are no right or wrong answers – we want to hear from you and learn what support is needed!.
We are delighted to be joined by a cross-College panel who will share their experiences of getting started with community engagement – what worked, what didn’t – with the opportunity to share your own thoughts and feedback. We will also share details of the upcoming Learn Together workshops and how to get involved.
Hosted by Zara Gladman (Public and Community Engagement Manager) and Ken Skeldon (University Research Engagement Manager), with the support of the Public and Community Engagement Group.
Workshop 1: British Red Cross VOICES Network - February 26, 2026
Workshop 2: Values Into Action Scotland - March 17, 2026
Workshop 3: DIFFERabled Scotland - April 1, 2026
Workshop 4: Chance 2 Change Scotland - May 27, 2026
Learn Together Team
Learn Together Steering Group
Zara Gladman - Public and Community Engagement Manager, Research Services Directorate
Kevin Leomo - Community and Engagement Manager, College of Arts & Humanities
Susan Grant - Community Engagement Lead, School of Health and Wellbeing
Fiona Barlow - Impact and Communications Officer, Scottish Learning Disabilities Observatory
Kenneth Skeldon - University Research Engagement Manager, Research Services Directorate
Casi Dylan - ARC Events & Engagement Manager, Research Services Directorate
Learn Together Coordinator
Sarah Helen
Learn Together Intern
Tsion Afework Habte
