Learning from organisational embedding for climate resilience

This paper describes the UK Climate Resilience Programme (UKCR) Embedded Researcher (ER) scheme, in which 13 researchers were ‘embedded’ within ‘host’ organisations to undertake a research project of mutual interest.

There was considerable interest in the scheme from public, private and third sector organisations.

The COVID-19 lockdowns limited the extent that ERs could physically work within their host organisation, but embedding and collaborative working was still achieved.

ERs and hosts agreed that the approach enabled more fit-for-purpose outcomes than through traditional research or consultancy; future schemes could include ‘host’ staff spending time in research institutions to better understand the nature of academic knowledge production.

Factors influencing effectiveness included the perception of being ‘on the inside’ of the organisation; the flexibility of the research workplan; the openness of the ER and host to learning; a facilitative and curious outlook; and the commitment to achieve mutually beneficial goals.