Belonging and Success Research Group

This cross-disciplinary research group brings together staff and students together to work across the core themes of belonging and success. It explores the concept of belonging and community and its interrelationship with an individual’s wellbeing and success in education. It acknowledges that curriculum, relationships with staff and students and hygiene factors including the physical environment all have a crucial role in enhancing belonging and student success. Research themes and outputs include belonging and under-represented groups; inclusive pedagogies and belonging; impact of reverse mentoring; assessment and student success; compassionate curriculum; belonging and the physical environment. 

The group aims to: 

• consolidate and expand the research on belonging and student success testing models and interventions which can be implemented; 
• act as a focus for staff and students involved in research on belonging and success from a range of disciplines and using different methodologies; 
• foster a positive, inclusive research group environment where participants feel they belong, can thrive and are valued for their unique contribution. 

  Group membership 

  Louise Banahene (Director of Educational Engagement) and Paul Taylor (Dean of Student Education – Experience) jointly convene the group. Meetings are held approximately every two months offering a chance to share research progress and identify opportunities for collaboration and support in delivering projects. Colleagues who are actively involved in research that feeds into the belonging and community agenda are invited to join the group. Please email Clare Mawson (c.m.mawson@leeds.ac.uk) if you would like to join.