A framing narrative for collaborative partnerships supporting research and learning in informal science institutions

The role of informal science institutions in supporting science learning and engagement is becoming increasingly recognised. However, research in this area is published in a variety of journals and can be challenging for practitioners to access and apply. Indeed, it appears that the informal science sector lacks a process by which research can be usefully integrated into practice, and by which practice can inform research. In this paper, we argue that there is a need for research and practice to work together to produce practically relevant and academically credible research. We outline the argument for establishing research collaborations, discuss appropriate theoretical lenses for such research, and offer an exemplar methodology for a particular line of research.