Applied research in complex, real-world settings is not only about generating evidence. It is also about working responsibly with others, attending to values and power, and remaining responsive as situations evolve.
This section brings together resources to support ethical, participatory and practice-oriented research. It reflects a broad view of applied research that includes reflective practice, interdisciplinary integration, participatory methods, social science, and engagement with diverse worldviews, particularly where collaboration and systems thinking are central.
The pages and reflections below are organised around connected aspects of applied research practice. They include curated and annotated links to practical frameworks, tools, guides, readings and examples from practice for researchers, evaluators, facilitators and others working across science, policy and community knowledge.
Explore applied research resources
Use this section to find the most relevant starting point, whether you are designing participatory research, working across disciplines, thinking through ethics, engaging with Indigenous knowledge systems, using AI in research practice, or looking for practical social science methods.
- If you are designing participatory or action-oriented research
Start with Participatory action research and Managing participation and engagement for approaches that connect inquiry, reflection and action in real-world settings. - If you are working across disciplines, sectors or knowledge systems
Explore Integrated and interdisciplinary approaches, Engaging with Indigenous lenses, and Co-production of knowledge for resources on integration, collaboration and working across different ways of knowing. - If you are navigating ethical questions in applied work
Go to Ethics for independent and collaborative practitioners for guidance on ethical practice, especially where research, evaluation or facilitation sits outside formal institutional review systems. - If you are using AI to support research or reflective practice
Visit Using AI for reflective practice, research, and collaboration for resources and reflections on using AI for inquiry, sense-making and writing, while staying attentive to judgement, context and risk. - If you are looking for practical social science tools
See Social science resource sites, and related pages on Narrative and storytelling, Citizen science and Impact assessment for methods that support engagement, evidence gathering and applied inquiry.
Browse the applied research pages
The starting points above help visitors move quickly into the part of the applied research material that best matches their current task. The pages and reflections below provide a fuller map of the applied research section on this site.
Participatory action research
Introduces PAR as a collaborative approach to inquiry grounded in reflection, action, and shared learning. Highlights practical applications for community-based, sustainability-focused, and systems-informed research.
Integrated and interdisciplinary approaches
Explores strategies for linking knowledge across disciplines and domains. Offers tools for integration in complex research settings and collaborative problem-solving processes.
Ethics for independent and collaborative practitioners
Provides guidance and resources for navigating ethical questions in practice-based research. Especially relevant for independent researchers, collaborative teams, and evaluation practitioners working outside formal ethics review systems.
Engaging with Indigenous lenses
Introduces principles and resources to support researchers and practitioners engaging with Indigenous knowledge systems, worldviews, and community priorities.
Using AI for reflective practice, research, and collaboration
Links to resources and reflections on using AI in practice-based research and other practice-based settings. It highlights practical ways these tools can support inquiry, sense-making, and writing, while also considering risks, limitations, and the importance of human judgment.
Social science in practice
Resources highlighting the value of social science in applied and interdisciplinary contexts:
- A role for social sciences
- Social science resource sites
- Social process checklists
- Postgrad research – ideas and tips
Participatory methods
Practical methods to support engagement and knowledge co-production in applied research:
Quick answers to common questions
What is applied research in sustainability and systems change?
Applied research in this context connects inquiry with practice to make sense of real-world change. It brings together science, policy, and community knowledge to support informed and inclusive action. In sustainability contexts, it helps researchers and practitioners engage with the complexity of people, systems, and place.
Why is applied research important in complex, real-world settings?
Complex challenges involve diverse perspectives, values, and shifting contexts. Applied research helps bridge disciplines and worldviews, fosters collaboration, and supports ethical and responsive inquiry—ensuring research informs practice in ways that are relevant and usable.
What kinds of resources are available in this section?
This section provides annotated links for open-access resources on participatory action research, interdisciplinary approaches, ethics, engagement with Indigenous knowledge systems, social science, participatory methods, and the use of AI in research. These resources support more reflective, inclusive, and context-sensitive approaches to applied research.
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