At its core, community-engaged research is a collaborative approach that emphasizes the involvement of community members stakeholders and academics in the research process. The Center for Community Partnerships' commitment to this approach ensures that research projects are relevant, impactful and reflective of the needs and priorities of the communities that we serve.
Led by a team of dedicated scholars and practitioners, The Center for Community Partnerships at UVA works to integrate theory and practice through community-engaged research. The Center for Community Partnerships not only conducts research projects with a focus on co-creation, but also actively works to build strong and sustainable relationships with local communities and organizations. By adopting an asset-based approach, The Center for Community Partnerships aims to identify and build upon the strengths and resources with communities, thereby avoiding the deficit-based thinking often associated with research institutions. This collaborative approach creates a reciprocal learning process where community members and researchers exchange knowledge, fostering mutual growth and empowerment. As a result, the Center for Community Partnerships' community-engaged research not only produces valuable insights and solutions but also contributes to the long-term capacity-building of the communities it serves.
Center for Community Partnerships' community research initiatives include: