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Driving Meaningful Change Together

Author
VP Jakub Tolar, MD, PhD

Minnesotans are counting on us to address the health issues they care about. And by listening to and acting on their voices, the University of Minnesota is uniquely positioned to truly transform health. 

Fortunately, University researchers can tap into a robust infrastructure for engaging the community in their research through the Clinical and Translational Science Institute.

Whether you are already conducting community-engaged research or are interested but do not know how to get started, I encourage you to explore the many ways CTSI’s community engagement team (CEARCH) can support you:

  • Grants— A recently announced opportunity will fund up to $50,000 to community-University research projects that advance health issues identified by Minnesota communities. 
  • Consultations and partner-matching — Get insights from community-engaged research experts on your research area, and explore new partnership opportunities between community members and research investigators.
  • Forums for community input — CHAT Sessions are virtual conversations that arm researchers with powerful insights from people who have been impacted by a health issue.
  • Training — Learn how to pursue community-academic research partnerships that drive meaningful change through this online training module or through our new training workshops. The first workshop is Oct. 4, and will cover how to develop and sustain a community advisory board.
  • Tools and resources— A number of online resources have been curated for community-UMN research teams, such as checklists, analysis tools, dissemination guidance, and more.

When University researchers and community representatives—including nonprofits, clinics, physicians, and advocates—work together, we can advance solutions to the health issues most important to Minnesota communities.

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