Sierra Leone Urban Research Centre
Our Vision
An inclusive, socially and environmentally just urban Sierra Leone.
Our Story
The Sierra Leone Urban Research Centre (SLURC), based in Freetown, is a globally connected research centre created through a partnership between the Bartlett Development Planning Unit (University College London) and the Institute of Geography and Development Studies (Njala University).
The centre aims to generate capacity building and research initiatives in cities across Sierra Leone, prioritising the well-being of residents of informal settlements. This will be achieved by:
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strengthening the research and analysis capacities of urban stakeholders in Sierra Leone;
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significantly improving the quality and quantity of available knowledge on the informal settlements in Sierra Leone;
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making urban knowledge available and accessible to those who need it, prioritizing residents of informal settlements; and
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delivering world-leading research in order to influence urban policy and practice.
Our Objectives
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Deliver world-leading research in order to influence Sierra Leone’s urban policy and inform urban development efforts.
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Build the research and analysis capacities of all urban stakeholders in Sierra Leone.
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Provide opportunities for professional development and further the experience of academic staff and students in Sierra Leone.
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Contribute to public debate on equitable urban development and the needs of the urban poor.
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Nuture a collaborative research environment in Sierra Leone.
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Engage and/or collaborate with urban stakeholders to promote equitable urban development.
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Make urban knowledge available and accessible to urban stakeholders, prioritizing the residents of informal settlements and their organisations.