Countryside and Community Research Institute (CCRI)

The CCRI plays an important role in shaping rural development policy and practice in the UK, Europe and further afield. The Countryside and Community Research Institute (CCRI) is a collaboration between the University of Gloucestershire, the Royal Agricultural University and Hartpury College for the purposes of research, education and knowledge exchange. The CCRI is the largest specialist rural research centre 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, through to the culture of food, and the limits of the food system. Their principal research interests are manifested in a rigorous, dynamic and inclusive approach to deepening their shared understanding of rural life. As they prepare for the policy, technological and environmental challenges before them, they 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, their 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; their research is at the forefront of these topics. They have woven novel approaches to management, notably through the commons and participatory approaches, into their on-going commitment to investigating their 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 their dedicated team of researchers and professionals, they are always looking to further their insights into rural life and the changes these are bringing to all of us. Mission  The Mission Statement of the CCRI is: “The CCRI will conduct and publish world-class, agenda-setting research to influence policy actors, practitioners and decision makers at all levels, from local to global, and provide a strong evidence base to enable sustainability and resilience.”