About HDRC Doncaster
Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) Doncaster is one of 30 HDRCs across the UK, funded by the National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR). Our purpose is to help local authorities become more research-active and embed a strong culture of evidence-based decision making.
Hosted by City of Doncaster Council and delivered in partnership with the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University, we focus on reducing health inequalities and understanding the wider determinants of health — the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age.
Our Vision
Our vision is simple: to build our capacity to develop and use knowledge across the organisation so decisions are informed by high‑quality evidence. Ultimately, this will lead to better outcomes for people in Doncaster.
About Our Work
Our Delivery Plan is built around two core workstreams, guided by Doncaster’s TIDES principles:
- Theory Informed – We draw on research, theory and evidence.
- Iteration and Doing – We learn by doing and share learning widely.
- Do Not Privilege – We work equitably and ensure all voices are valued.
- Evidence for Sustainability – We create pathways to long-term, applied research.
Workstream 1: Knowledge Mobilisation
We aim to:
- Build skills to bring together academic research with local insight.
- Present evidence in ways that support everyday decision making.
- Strengthen how knowledge flows between teams, partners and communities.
Workstream 2: Capability, Capacity & Motivation Building
We aim to:
- Develop the skills and systems needed to conduct high-quality applied research.
- Better understand the factors influencing health and wellbeing in Doncaster.
- Embed strong Public Involvement and Community Engagement (PICE) approaches in everything we do.
Public Involvement & Community Engagement
Our PICE work ensures local residents help shape research from the very beginning. We value every voice and want our work to reflect the experiences and priorities of Doncaster’s diverse communities.
We will work with community groups, organisations and residents to make taking part in research easy, meaningful, and inclusive. By building a strong local research culture, we can deliver better research, attract future funding and improve health and wellbeing across Doncaster.
Current Projects
HDRC Doncaster already supports a wide range of research activity, including:
Born and Bred in Doncaster (BaBi-D)
A longitudinal research programme improving health and wellbeing outcomes for children and families.
Fairness & Wellbeing Commission
Embedded researchers are reviewing and scoping evidence to support the Doncaster Fairness and Wellbeing Commission.
Commercial Determinants of Health
Research into residents’ experiences of harmful commercial products and the private-sector activities that influence local health.
Food for Thought Programme
Exploring the impact and value of a school-based cooking and growing programme involving parents and pupils.
Re-presentation Evaluation Project
Understanding why some individuals return to drug and alcohol treatment within six months of completing a programme, and identifying barriers to long‑term recovery.
Get Involved & Find Out More
- Join the Doncaster Research Network (external members welcome — email us to enquire).
- Contact the team: HDRCDoncaster@Doncaster.gov.uk
- Invite us to your team meeting to explore collaboration opportunities.
- Access the Clinical Research Network (CRN) Local Authority Induction.
- Learn more about NIHR HDRC funding via the NIHR website.
- Explore guidance on conducting research in local authorities through our resource menu.
- For more information see our website: Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) Doncaster - City of Doncaster Council