In the educational sciences, the primary goal of research lies in its ability to generalize results to policy and practice (Creswell, 2012). Enhancing the generalizability of research outcomes can be achieved through the active involvement of citizens throughout the research data life cycle (Ramcharan et al., 2004). This approach establishes a meaningful connection between research and society, inherently embracing inclusivity by addressing societal challenges. This contribution delves into the vital significance of research approaches that involve active participation, which aim to bridge the divide between educational research and practice. The goal of this study is "engaged scholarship," which emphasizes active collaboration between students, teachers, researchers, and the general public. It specifically emphasizes critical pedagogy and action research (Cahnmann-Taylor & Siegesmund, 2017; Van der Vaart et al., 2018). The approach taken in this study is demonstrated through a case study in higher education, with a specific emphasis on engaging and inclusive research through photovoice. The case study emphasizes both the methodological aspects of participatory research and the ethical complexities of conducting inclusive research, like data ownership and stigmatization, and the importance of considering how different ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds would conceptualize education in a different way. It also discusses the responsibilities and activities involved in collaborative research; specific precautions must be implemented to safeguard participants' privacy throughout the entire research project, such as “privacy by design” or “data equity (Gonzalez et al., 2022). Our focus is on promoting inclusiveness and actively involving a wide range of perspectives. An in-depth analysis of the "Photovoice" case study (Wang & Burris, 1997) highlights the effectiveness of engaging and inclusive methods. Through the active participation of students as co-researchers, we are able to enrich their perspectives and foster a sense of ownership and empowerment, while also valuing and embracing diversity. The findings underscore the relationship between ethical considerations, empowerment, collective ownership, and collaborative creation. This study emphasizes the importance of using participatory and inclusive research methods to enhance meaningful connections and interactions in educational research. In conclusion, this study adds to our understanding of the important connection between education and inclusive research, as well as the methods used in such research. The findings highlight the importance of embracing participatory and inclusive research methods for data collection and translation into educational practice. This approach fosters a strong synergy between education and research, ultimately leading to sustainable improvements in the educational landscape.

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