STAR-LAB
STAR LAB
Systems Transformation Action Research Lab
STARLAB: SYSTEMS TRANSFORMATION ACTION RESEARCH
STARlab is a research unit within the University of Otago's Social & Community Work Programme, in the School of Social Sciences. STARlab conducts applied research using an interdisciplinary approach drawing from systems science, social innovation, community development, and digital strategies. We partner with communities, organizations, and government to enable systemic change that is socially, economically, spiritually, and environmentally restorative. Our focus is on social issues that disproportionately affect vulnerable and marginalized populations.
Our current programme of research focuses on the role of social innovation and social entrepreneurship in systemic change initiatives that seek to advance progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.
What is systems transformation? A systemic approach sees our communities as interdependent and holistic structures. A transformative process is one that fundamentally changes the nature of the system. Systems Transformation is the result of actions taken to address the root causes of shared problems. At STARlab we research what those root causes are, and explore how to create enabling environments for positive change.
What is action research? Action research is a form of applied, community-based inquiry that involves both action and critical reflection to co-create practical solutions to shared questions. STARlab uses both human centred design and intervention research approaches to guide this process.
What are the Sustainable Development Goals?
Our work is aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), interconnected global goals that support collaboration and partnership to address the urgent social, economic, and environmental challenges we share. As part of our commitment to the SDGs, STARlab leads the New Zealand chapter of Catalyst 2030.
Our portfolio currently addresses the following SDGs: 5 Gender Equality 8 Decent Work & Economic Growth; 9 Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure; 10 Reduced Inequalities; 11 Sustainable Cities & Communities; 16 Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions; 17 Partnership for the goals
We collaborate in the following ways:
Research partnerships
Consulting in our areas of expertise
Post graduate supervision
Evaluation planning
Workshop Facilitation
Public Speaking
Contact us via the link below if you would like to discuss collaboration with STARlab in any of these areas.
WHAT'S NEW AT STARLAB
RECRUITING PARTICIPANTS FOR INCLUSIVE ENTREPRENEURSHIP STUDY
STARlab is currently seeking participants for a study that explores the experiences of diverse entrepreneurs and small business founders in Dunedin, New Zealand. There are several ways to participate including: interview, focus group, and attendance at a workshop later this year. Participants will be reimbursed for their time.
For more details, click the link below or email us at starlab@otago.ac.nz
JOB OPENINGS: TWO RESEARCH ASSISTANT ROLES
We are looking to fill two part-time, contract based research assistant roles.
Iti Rearea Collective: Located in Auckland, New Zealand. This role will support evaluation research of the NEST and SOAR programmes. Candidates should have experience working with migrant and/or resettled refugee populations.
Inclusive Entrepreneurship: Located in Dunedin. This role will support community engaged research with diverse entrepreneurs.
Further information about these projects can be found on the Research page.
Contact us via the link below for more information.
RASHA ABU SAFIEH PRESENTING AT THE INAUGURAL DATA STEWARD CONFERENCE ON JUNE 28TH, 2022
Rasha will present STARlab efforts in mapping the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in New Zealand, the collaboration with the Global Entrepreneurship Network, and will curate the Start-Up Ecosystem Panel.
PARTNERS AND SUPPORTERS
Thank you to our network of partners and supporters
