Countryside and Community Research Institute (CCRI)
About
The Countryside and Community Research Institute (CCRI) is one of the largest specialist rural research centres in the UK, working at the interface of agriculture, society and the environment on issues relevant to rural and urban development, in the UK, Europe and further afield. Working with colleagues and partners in the physical as well as social sciences the CCRI has placed itself at the centre of a nexus of mutual exchange. These exchanges range from soil science, sustainable agriculture, to the culture of food, and the limits of the food system.
Our principal research interests are manifested in a rigorous, dynamic and inclusive approach to deepening our shared understanding of rural life. As we prepare for the policy, technological and environmental challenges before us, we look to work with those engaged in agriculture, food and environmental management as well as rural communities.
In addition to extensive research in the agricultural sector, our recent research has also considered the role of cities in the future of agricultural food production and has highlighted changes in the conceptualisation of the rural-urban continuum. Emerging technologies such as renewable energies and ubiquitous broadband access are reshaping rural areas; our research is at the forefront of these topics.
We have woven novel approaches to management, notably through the commons and participatory approaches, into our ongoing commitment to investigating our shared resources.
The CCRI has benefited from considerable research investments from the EU through the H2020 programme, UK national agencies and departments, as well as third sector bodies and other change agents. Through our dedicated team of researchers and professionals, we are always looking to further our insights into rural life and the changes these are bringing to all of us.
Research
Research Clusters: The CCRI’s research is organised around four main research clusters.
- Culture, Nature, and Heritage
- Land, Water, and Ocean Environments
- Sustainable Farming and Food
- Rural-Urban Economies and Societies
Research Themes: Across these clusters are four cross-cutting themes.
- Sustainable Transitions
- Nature Recovery
- Net Zero and just transitions
- Well-being
Research Quality:
The CCRI has entered the UK Government’s assessments of research, the Research Excellence Framework and its predecessor, the Research Assessment Exercise, under the Architecture, Built Environment and Planning Unit of Assessment.
In the most recent exercise, REF 2021, over 85% of the CCRI’s research was judged as internationally significant, rigorous, and high quality.
Impact case studies are a part of the REF submission and demonstrate the value to society of the research being carried out.
Contact
The Park
Cheltenham
GL50 2RH
