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The OpenLab.brussels is a joint venture of ULB-VUB dedicated to participatory research. It aims to mobilise our academic community and public or private stakeholders willing to collaborate on participatory research projects in Brussels. OpenLab.brussels organises this conference that aims to bring together contributions from researchers and practitioners interested in participatory research projects. Participatory research approaches allow any stakeholder to participate in (parts) of the research process as co-researchers. More than simply increasing research capacity and data collection, these approaches allow more inclusive and sustainable research with increased societal relevance. It also increases diversity in science and contributes to bridging the gap between researchers and society. We welcome people willing to contribute by presenting a paper, sharing experiences and ideas through a clear presentation (with or without a paper), discussion tables, or on-site visits. As OpenLab.brussels aims to stimulate participatory research in Brussels, we are particularly interested in contributions addressing challenges related to urban (preferably metropolitan) environments. For this conference, we are looking more particularly for contributions addressing: 1) The Methodological Challenges of Participatory Research In the realm of participatory research, methodological challenges take center stage. One of the primary concerns lies in designing research methods that effectively integrate various stakeholders' participation while ensuring the quality and validity of the data collected. The question of balancing openness, including open science practices such as open data and open access, with methodological rigor arises, requiring in-depth reflection on how to involve participants while maintaining high research standards. Furthermore, the diversity of involved stakeholders, managing varied expectations and skills, and the issue of ethics and transparency in participatory research are all critical methodological challenges to be addressed to guarantee the success and relevance of participatory research projects. 2) The Practical Challenges of Participatory Research We invite participants to share their experiences, challenges, and lessons learned from engaging in participatory research projects. Multiple challenges are recurrent in participatory research, e.g., tight timelines, the lack of funding or support, language barriers, cultural differences, difficulties in ensuring inclusivity, etc. How can these challenges be tackled in practice? What obstacles remain? We are interested in examples of innovative approaches, successful collaborations, and impactful outcomes, but we also value the sharing of less successful attempts and the insights gained from them. We hope to inspire others and foster knowledge exchange by sharing these experiences. 3) Participatory Research Projects in Brussels We want to highlight the existing participatory research initiatives in Brussels and its neighborhood. Researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders are invited to share their knowledge and experience about existing initiatives and projects, as well as ideas for new projects that could contribute to developing participatory research practices in Brussels and its neighborhood. By mapping these initiatives and projects, we hope to foster a deeper understanding of Brussels's diverse participatory research landscape and inspire future collaborations and innovations.