Small magnetic confinement fusion devices have played and continue to play an important role in fusion research. Thanks to their compactness, flexibility and low operation costs, they can support scientific and technology developments, modelling analysis, and training and education. This publication presents the outcome of an IAEA coordinated research project (CRP) on utilisation of a network of small magnetic confinement fusion devices for mainstream fusion research and reports on the research work accomplished within the framework of the project. It presents the contribution of these devices in research in a wide range of areas such as plasma confinement and energy transport, plasma stability in different magnetic configurations, plasma turbulence and its impact on local and global plasma parameters, processes at the plasma edge and plasma-wall interaction, scenarios with additional heating and non-inductive current drive. The CRP participants aimed to establish and coordinate a network of research institutions, thereby enhancing international collaborations through the exchange of information and equipment, scientific visits, and joint experiments.