Projects and partners

The Centre for Applied Research in Empowering Society (CARES) thrives on a foundation of collaborative and interdisciplinary research, partnering with a diverse array of public institutions, community groups, third sector organisations, and socially responsible businesses. Our projects are designed to tackle social injustices and promote systemic change, aligning with London Metropolitan University’s sustainable development goals.

Through our partnerships, CARES co-produces knowledge and develops empowering models of engagement, ensuring that our research has a tangible impact on policy, practice, and the lived experiences of communities. Our collaborative efforts drive innovative solutions and methodologies that address the root causes of inequalities, fostering social justice. 

You can explore more about CARES’ projects and partners below.

Three women presenting a slide with word 'London' written on a slide

Research Funding

  • Prof. Justin Web and Prof. Diana Stirbu secured £35,000 by the Greater London Authority to conduct research on the London’s Youth Social Action Eco-System
  • Dr Stephen Hills was awarded a grant of approximately £24,000 by the Innovate UK’s Accelerated Knowledge Transfer initiative to develop and test the Fight4Change boxing program in the corporate sector.
  • Dr Jane Lewis and Prof. Diana Stirbu were awarded cca £19,000 through the London Met Participatory Fund to conduct research and evaluation around the National Youth Theatre’s Assemble Programme
  • Dr Torange Khonsari was awarded cca £2,000 from the Participatory Fund for her Archway Cultural Commons project.
  • Sophie Cloutterbuck (Director of the London Met Lab) and CARES directors Prof. Diana Stirbu, Dr Torange Khonsari and Dr Stephen Hills were awarded cca £27,000 from the Participatory Fund for the Embedding participatory research in academic and community practice project