Isabel Heck (Ph.D. in Anthropology) mobilizes action research to promote social inclusion and knowledge democracy. Her approach is grounded in the co-construction of knowledge and action between researchers, practitioners, and citizens, with the aim of transforming systems that produce inequalities. After leading the University Incubator of Parole d’excluEs (IUPE) for seven years—a innovative action research unit —she now serves as Head of Knowledge and Learning for the Collective Impact Project (PIC) at Centraide of Greater Montreal, where she oversees evaluation and the strengthening of reflexive practices.
Her research is rooted in a perspective of social and epistemic justice. She is interested in the interplay between knowledge mobilization and transformative action, and in fostering collaboration among diverse actors (community, philanthropic, academic, etc.) to address societal challenges. Isabel is also an Associate Professor at UQAM and an Associate Member of CRISES, and she is actively involved in the field of action research both in Montreal and internationally.
Selected publications:
Heck, I. (2024). From Participatory Research to the Co-construction of Actions – Reflections on how to Reinforce Action Research for Social Inclusion. International Journal of Action Research, 20(1).
Heck, I. (2024). Le potentiel transformateur de la collaboration : apprentissages du Projet impact collectif à Montréal. The Philanthropist Journal.
Heck, I. (2023). Innover et apprendre pour mieux soutenir la lutte contre la pauvreté dans les quartiers montréalais – bilan du Projet impact collectif Phase 1. Les Cahiers du CRISES, ES2301.
Hall, B, Godrie, B & I Heck. (2020). Knowledge Democracy and Epistemic In/Justice: Reflections on a Conversation. Canadian Journal of Action Research, 21(1).
