ICORN

Isle of Wight Community-Owned Research Network

A grassroots movement connecting communities, researchers and institutions

A new chapter in local research is beginning on the Isle of Wight.

The Isle of Wight Community-Owned Research Network — ICORN — is a new community-led research network, created to make research more inclusive, accessible and rooted in the lives of Island people.

Led by Community Action Isle of Wight, and supported by Co-Lab and the Academy for Research & Improvement, ICORN brings together residents, voluntary and community organisations, researchers, health partners and public sector bodies.

Our aim is simple: to make sure research is shaped by the people and communities it is intended to support.

What is ICORN?

ICORN is a growing network that connects local communities with researchers and institutions.

It creates opportunities for people on the Isle of Wight to:

• Hear about research already happening locally
• Share what matters to them
• Help shape future research ideas
• Take part in research projects
• Develop research skills
• Become community researchers
• Build partnerships between communities and institutions

ICORN acts as a bridge between the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector, academic researchers, health partners and local residents.

Why ICORN matters

Research can sometimes feel distant from everyday life. ICORN aims to change that.

We believe research should reflect the priorities, experiences and voices of local people — especially those who are often less heard or less represented.

By working together, communities and researchers can develop better questions, stronger projects and more meaningful outcomes for the Isle of Wight.

Who is ICORN for?

ICORN is open to anyone with an interest in community-led research, including:

• Residents
• Community groups
• Charities and voluntary organisations
• Health and care partners
• Researchers
• Students
• Public sector organisations
• People with lived experience
• Anyone curious about research

You do not need any previous research experience to get involved.

Our growing network

ICORN is already building links with a wide range of partners, including local VCSE organisations, universities, health researchers, public health teams, town councils and community groups.

We are working with partners across areas such as mental health, diabetes, respiratory health, kidney health, dementia, arts, wellbeing, men’s health, inclusion and community development.

Get involved

There are many ways to take part in ICORN. You could:

• Come along to an informal local event
• Share your community’s priorities
• Connect your organisation with researchers
• Take part in training
• Help shape a research idea
• Support research that matters to Island residents

Whether you are completely new to research or already involved, we would love to hear from you.

Contact us

To find out more about ICORN or to get involved, please contact:

Community Action Isle of Wight
ICORN Lead: Sandy Ciccognani
Email: sciccognani@actioniw.org.uk / research@actioniw.org.uk

ICORN held a series of Community events in 2025/26 

We are now completing an evaluation of what we have done so far and will create a new plan soon.

If you have any feedback or suggestions, please email research@actioniw.org.uk

Find out more about ICORN above.

See the latest updates newsletter here 

Past Events

10th December 2025 Launch Event – Long Term Health Conditions – Ryde – COMPLETED

21st January 2026 Mental Health & Resilience – Riverside Centre  – COMPLETED

11th February 2026 Wellbeing & Connectedness – Brading Roman Villa  – COMPLETED

18th March 2026 Ageing & Dementia – Community Hall Of Yarmouth District – COMPLETED

30th April 2026 Healthy Homes, Health Families – Pan Together, Newport – COMPLETED

For more information or to be on the agenda, contact research@actioniw.org.uk

Launch of ICORN: The Isle of Wight Community-Owned Research Network

A Grassroots Movement Connecting Communities, Researchers, and Institutions
Isle of Wight, Autumn 2025

A new chapter in local research is about to begin. The Isle of Wight Community-Owned Research Network (ICORN) officially launches this autumn, marking an exciting step forward for community-led research on the Isle of Wight.

Led by Community Action Isle of Wight, and supported by Co-Lab and the Academy for Research & Improvement, ICORN aims to empower local voices and bring together residents, community groups, researchers, and institutions to make research more inclusive, accessible, and community-driven. The network will serve as a bridge between the voluntary and community sector (VCSE), academic researchers, and health partners, ensuring that research reflects the priorities and lived experiences of Island people.

Firmly rooted in the Island’s communities and with strong links to academic and healthcare institutions, ICORN will kick off its launch with a series of informal local events across the Isle of Wight. These gatherings will give residents and VCSEs a chance to:

• Hear about exciting research projects currently taking place on the Island
• Discover ways to get involved in research – as participants, collaborators, or even as community researchers
• Learn research skills through accessible training sessions
• Network and co-create new research ideas with others

More to follow