Bridging the divides : an interdisciplinary perspective on the teaching-research nexus and community engagement

This paper examines the application of 'design thinking' principles to the teaching-research nexus, and argues for extending this nexus to community engagement, in the context of an ongoing interdisciplinary research project. The research is investigating young people and civic engagement, and is an ideal site for building a positive and reciprocal relationship between teaching, research and community engagement. These relationships are not axiomatic but must be nurtured with commitment and strategically managed. Drawing on teaching experiences in sociology and law, and reflecting on a co-design methodology developed for investigating youth citizenship, we conclude that 'design thinking' principles can be applied more broadly to strengthen the teaching-research nexus. Finally, we argue that universities must develop and implement genuine community engagement to remain relevant in the contemporary world.