Academic research has often been campus-centric. But what happens to voices that won’t or can’t make it to the campus? Whether due to distance, mobility, financial barriers or systemic exclusion, many are left out of traditional research settings.
The result of months of careful planning, collaboration, and creative thinking, this fully equipped vehicle is now ready to host researchers that are eager to take their work to communities, instead of having communities to come to them.
The project is rooted in the belief that research should be accessible, inclusive, and representative of the diversity of life experiences in our society. The AROW sends a clear message: Research must go to where the people are— community centres, rural areas, schools, clinics, street corners, etc. More than a symbol, the van is a practical, mobile, and connected research environment.
It includes:
- Three dedicated workstations, seating up to eight people comfortably.
- Wi-Fi connectivity, autonomous power, air conditioning, and sound atenuation.
- Camera and microphone equipment for conducting interviews, focus groups, or observations.
- A configurable setup to adapt the space based on the type of research being conducted.
- Researchers can also bring their specialized equipment, and power it with the van’s autonomous power supply.
From conducting first field interviews to piloting new methodologies or holding mobile consultations, the AROW supports a wide range of research formats and needs. It can be used for approved research projects or to pilot initiatives, but it can also be used for community engagement events and mobile workshops/clinics.
The AROW embodies the broader mission of the FSS to promote engaged and socially relevant research. It helps expand methodological possibilities while removing logistical barriers that often prevent marginalized voices from participating in studies.
It also serves as a unique training platform for graduate students, offering hands-on experience in qualitative research, community-based engagement, and ethical knowledge mobilization.
"The AROW will help us break the academic silo and bring us closer to our community, making research more accessible and inclusive. It’s a concrete tool that will facilitate bridging academic knowledge with lived experience." – Justin Duncan, Manager of research and innovation, INSPIRE Core Facility
The AROW is now available to book for researchers, professors, and graduate students at the University of Ottawa. To learn more about booking procedures, eligibility and availability, please contact the INSPIRE Core Facility: [email protected]
With this initiative, the Faculty of Social Sciences takes another step toward a research culture that is open, mobile, inclusive, and deeply human.
Because research doesn’t have to stay still. Because research has places to go—and stories to hear.