Formalizing the Relationship in Community-Engaged Research: Key Relationship Building Activities & Challenges (In-Person) – Feb. 14, 2024

Join us for the third session of the “Community Engaged Research Faculty Discussion Club,” a new series for researchers with an interest in deepening their theoretical and practical understanding of community-engaged research to connect with, and learn together from, colleagues from across the tri-campus in order to strengthen both societal and scholarly impact. Faculty, post-doctoral fellows, staff, and graduate students from the University of Toronto are invited to register to participate in person. 

The third session in this series will focus on key relationship building activities and potential challenges during the formalization stage of partnership building in community-engaged research. Often times, it is securing funding that can catalyze a developing research relationship in community-engaged research to formalize (Cargo and Mercer, 2008). At this stage of the relationship, there are several key relationship building activities that are important to consider in strengthening the research partnership including establishing a shared purpose, creating decision making processes, and building capacity among research partners (Cargo and Mercer, 2008). There are also potential points of tension including fostering trust and respect, addressing power imbalances, and facilitating participation of all partners while balancing institutional ethics review board requirements (Cargo and Mercer, 2008).

This session will feature youth-led research projects as case examples, including a current study exploring the impacts of early childhood screen use on sexual behaviours, attitudes and overall wellness in adolescents. Guest panelists, Prof. Ashley Vandermorris and Soliana Lijiam, will reflect on their own experiences of key relationship building activities that helped to strengthen the research partnership, as well as potential pitfalls to be aware of and strategies to reduce challenges.  

Agenda:

• Part 1 | 10:00am – 11:30am: Panel presentations followed by a moderated discussion
• Part 2 | 11:30 am – 12:45pm: Lunch with guest panelists followed by a facilitated discussion to connect and learn from each other. 

Moderator: Prof. Barbara Fallon, Associate Vice-President, Research, VPRI

Guest Panelists: 

• Prof. Ashley Vandermorris, Assistant Professor, Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto and Staff Physician, Division of Adolescent Medicine, SickKids 
• Soliana Lijiam, Co-Principal Investigator, LEAP (Leading towards Equity through Adolescent Participation) Lab, SickKids and Undergraduate Student, University of Toronto 

In-Person Location: Centre for Research & Innovation Support, Gerstein Sciences Information Centre, 9 Kings College Circle, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A5

Audience: Faculty members, post-doctoral fellows, staff, and graduate students at University of Toronto, both curious about, and/or experienced with, community engaged research who are interested in deepening their learning about collaborative approaches to research. Priority to participate will be given to faculty members.