Sixteen community members successfully completed the inaugural Alabama Community Engagement Alliance Community Research Institute (CRI). This seven-week program provided knowledge and tools for individuals to join Alabama CEAL as partners in community engaged scientific research on health and wellbeing.
The participants, from urban and rural areas in Jefferson and Dallas counties, are now Alabama CEAL Community Research Partners. This allows them to take advantage of opportunities to work with UAB academic researchers to address their communities’ unique needs. Alabama CEAL and the CRI are made possible by a grant from the National Institutes of Health and co-sponsored by the UAB Minority Health & Health Equity Research Center (MHERC).
The course was taught over seven weekly sessions, held in-person and conducted online. The CRI curriculum covered key topics such as the social determinants of health, health equity, community-based research, research methods, communications, and funding.
Participants learned about research policies and ethics, identifying health disparities within their communities for possible research, understanding different types of research and analysis, and how to prepare grant proposals. The practicality of these assignments equipped participants with hands-on experience in applying research concepts to real-world situations.
The classes were led by a team of subject matter experts from UAB. Their collective expertise provided a comprehensive and informative learning experience for the participants, covering diverse aspects of community-based research and health equity. With insights into how scientific research operates, participants left with the tools necessary to bridge potential gaps that may exist between community members and researchers.
“The goal of the CRI is to give community members the knowledge and skills they need to be true partners in the development and implementation of health equity research.”
Dr. Will Anderson, MHERC Operations Administrator and Research Director
Dr. Will Anderson, MHERC Operations Administrator and Research Director, highlighted the importance of full community engagement in research, emphasizing that it is crucial to ensure research responsiveness to community needs. According to Anderson, “The goal of the CRI is to give community members the knowledge and skills they need to be true partners in the development and implementation of health equity research.” This perspective underscores the program’s objective of empowering participants to actively contribute as partners in shaping and executing health equity research initiatives.
The final session featured discussions on resources for community-engaged research and opportunities for community members to be involved in research. As a recognition of their commitment to expanding their knowledge of research, participants received certificates designating them as Alabama CEAL Community Research Partners, signifying their readiness to contribute actively to community-based research initiatives.
More information will come about the next class of the Alabama CEAL Community Research Institute.
