New Special Issue on Youth Participatory Action Research from Evidence & Policy

Young people should be seen not simply as participants in research, but as active contributors to policymaking, according to a new academic special issue published in Evidence & Policy. The collection of papers explores how Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) can help ensure that the experiences and insights of young people play a more meaningful role in shaping public policy.

The collection considers what conditions facilitate the uptake of 'Youth Generated-Research Evidence' - which the articles suggest include 'knowledge agents' who amplify and mobilise youth voices, which can include local politicians, educators, or staff in voluntary organisations. Central to this is a relationship of trust between the young people and their communities, with researchers and policy makers.

For a full list of articles in this special edition see: Kornbluh, M., & Renick, J. (2026). Re-imagining policy futures: youth-led research and pathways to change – an introduction. Evidence & Policy, 22(3), 319-330. Retrieved Sep 14, 2026, from https://doi.org/10.1332/17442648Y2026D000000095