Community-Engaged Research

Through our Community-Engaged Research program, we offer friendly connections and navigation to students, faculty, and community members who want to use research to contribute to the public good, but don’t yet know how to find each other. We understand that community organizations are under pressure to demonstrate value, relevance, and impact through evidence in a shifting funding environment, while national research funding bodies are increasingly funding community-engaged research partnerships.

With this in mind, the Office of Community Engagement facilitates and supports research at McMaster with connection and benefit to Hamilton communities through the Research Shop, by supporting connections between faculty members and community groups, and liaising between partners and regional and national research networks.

What is Community-Based or Engaged Research?

Community Based Research Canada defines Community-Based Research as:

“A research approach that involves active participation of stakeholders, those whose lives are affected by the issue being studied, in all phases of research for the purpose of producing useful results to make positive changes.” (Nelson, Ochocka, Griffin & Lord, 1998, p.12)

Nelson, G., Ochocka, J., Griffin, K. & Lord, J. (1998)., Nothing about me, without me: Participatory action research with self-help/mutual aid organizations for psychiatric consumer/survivors. American Journal of Community Psychology, 26(6), 881-912.

2018 President's Award Winner shows a picture while former President Patrick Deane speaks with recipients behind her.

Why does this program exist?

We understand that community organizations are under pressure to demonstrate value and relevance through evidence in a shifting funding environment.

Students are also looking for experiential learning and transferable job skills to give them better chances of success as they enter a competitive labour market.

Finally, national research funding bodies (like the Tri-Council) are increasingly funding community-engaged research for faculty, but building geniune relationships takes time, which isn’t always funded.

What is the benefit of this program?

Through the Community-Engaged Research program, we offer friendly connections and navigation to students, faculty, and community members who want to use research to contribute to the public good, but don’t yet know how to find each other.

Rainbow crosswalk at Sterling St., McMaster University — McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

HOW YOU CAN PARTICIPATE

Connect With Us Learn More

Do you have a question about our Community-Engaged Research program? Contact our office.

McMaster Research Shop Learn More

The McMaster Research Shop works with public, non-profit, and community organizations in and beyond Hamilton to provide plain-language answers to your research questions.

The President’s Awards for Community-Engaged Research Learn more

The President’s Awards for Community-Engaged Research (PACER) recognize teams of campus and community representatives who have demonstrated a commitment to initiating and supporting excellence in community-campus research initiatives.