Values in research
Reaping what we sow: Centering values in food systems transformations research
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Researchers striving for sustainability transformations must reflect on their own values—not just those of stakeholders. To create meaningful change, scientist need to embody the principles they advocate. By aligning with values like care, inclusivity, and reflexivity, researchers can strengthen collaboration, deepen impact, and better contribute to systemic change.
Many research projects stumble because they overlook a crucial aspect: values. Without addressing the values that underpin their goals, researchers risk losing stakeholder trust and derailing their outcomes. Our collective, The Careoperative, tackled this challenge head-on. Through a visioning process, we established four core values to guide our collaboration: Care, reflexivity, inclusivity, collectivity
Here’s how a values-centered approach transformed our research on food systems. While much research focuses on stakeholder values in food system transformations, we shifted the lens inward. What about the values researchers bring to the table?
Turns out, aligning researcher values with the transformations we study is critical.
In our paper, we present two case studies where centering values helped reshape collaboration and impact. These examples show how researchers can:
- Embrace reflexivity to challenge assumptions
- Foster inclusivity to broaden participation
- Build collective care into their work
Curious to learn more? Find the publication here » (INSERT LINK)
O. Care, Julie G. Zaehringer, Michael J. Bernstein, Mollie Chapman, Cecilie Friis, Sonia Graham, L. Jamila Haider, Mónica Hernández-Morcillo, Harry Hoffmann, Maria Lee Kernecker, Hannah Pitt & Verena Seufert. (2024). Reaping what we sow: Centering values in food systems transformations research. Ambio - A Journal of Environment and Society.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13280-024-02086-5
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