Insights by, from and for communities
At Rocket Science, we believe the most meaningful insights come from those with real, lived experience. Our peer research approach ensures that the voices of communities are at the heart of every project—helping you make better decisions, shape services, and drive positive change.
Our peer research has helped clients:
- Understand community needs
- Reach unheard voices
- Shape strategic plans and investments
- Build stronger, more resilient communities
What is Peer Research?
Peer research means working with people who have direct experience of the issues being explored. These peer researchers help design, carry out, and analyse research, ensuring findings are honest, relevant, and truly reflect the needs of the community.
Why choose Peer Research?
- Building skills through empowerment: Peer researchers gain new skills, confidence, and paid opportunities.
- Better insights: Access richer, more authentic data—especially from voices that are often overlooked.
- Community impact: Build local capacity, strengthen community ties, and create lasting change.
- Client value: Benefit from higher-quality data, diverse perspectives, and the option to re-engage trained peer researchers for future projects.
How we work
Every project is unique, but our process usually includes:
- Clear, accessible information: We make it easy for people to get involved fitting around their needs.
- Transparency: We outline time commitments, payments, and expectations up front.
- Interactive training: Peer researchers receive hands-on training in research design and methods.
- Co-Design: Together, we shape research questions and choose the best ways to collect data.
- Ongoing support: Regular group sessions and one-to-one support ensure peer researchers feel confident and connected.
- Collaborative analysis: Peer researchers lead the analysis, drawing out key themes and recommendations.
Our track record
- Over 200 peer researchers trained
- More than 2500 individuals reached
- Projects with organisations including Gateshead College, Kingston Giving, Prosper Wakefield, Aberdeen City Council, Young Westminster Foundation, Greater London Authority, Together as One.
Ready to put community voices at the heart of your work?
Get in touch today to discover how peer research can help your organisation make smarter, more inclusive decisions.
Contact our peer research lead, Dr Maddy Thompson, at
maddy.thompson@rocketsciencelab.co.uk
