Community–university research partnerships: a role for university research centers?

Abstract

Community–university research partnerships (CURPs) are increasingly common, yet much of the existing research documents the experiences of individual projects or analyzes research methodologies associated with CURPs. Comparatively little is known about the role of university research centers in the design and implementation of CURPs. Even less is known about the role that interdisciplinarity (as a de facto characteristic of research centers) may play in enabling or impeding CURPs. This article contributes to filling this gap. Drawing from a reflective strategic planning process with research center associates and a broader faculty conference workshop, at Ryerson University in Toronto, Canada, this article offers reflections on the role of university research centers in CURPs.

Keywords:

• community–university research partnerships
• community-based research
• action research
• university research centers
• interdisciplinarity

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to acknowledge the Ryerson University, Faculty of Community Services (FCS) Dean’s Office, and FCS Research Centre Associates whose support and contributions made this article possible.