Mighty Mini Research Collective

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About MMRC

A Venn diagram with three overlapping circles labeled 'External Advocacy', 'Training, Resources and Best Practice', and 'Networking and Collaboration'.

The Mighty Mini Research Collective is a free, member-led community for independent researchers, freelancers, and micro-businesses - new and established- who are not affiliated with universities or large institutions.

We focus on running our businesses, not just the research itself. Our activities include:

  • Quarterly online lunch meet-ups for networking and collaboration

  • Sharing training, resources, and best practice

  • Peer support for wellbeing and resilience

  • External advocacy for independent researchers

With 200 members on our active LinkedIn group, the collective is founded by Fran Harkness (Kolrabi) and Rowena Hay (Shortwork) and thrives on the energy and expertise of our members.

Join us to connect, learn, and grow your independent research practice.

Our members

  • A woman with shoulder-length hair wearing a black turtleneck standing in front of a colorful graffiti mural on a brick wall.

    Fran Harkness

    Director at Kohlrabi | Mixed-methods public health research, public involvement & evaluation | North West

  • A smiling woman with shoulder-length brown hair and a fringe, wearing a black shirt, a blue embroidered jumpsuit, and a gold necklace, standing in front of a colorful mural with red, orange, and purple hues.

    Rowena Hay

    Director at Shortwork | Participatory action research across culture, environment & health | North West