What is Community-Based Research in the CSU?

Community-Based Research is a collaborative approach between CSU campuses and communities that:

• addresses significant social issues in California and beyond;
• makes research relevant; and
• deepens student learning.

CSU’s Working definition of community-based research: CBR is a collaborative approach to research that equitably involves all partners throughout the research process and recognizes the unique strengths that each brings. CBR begins with a research topic deemed important by the community, has the aim of combining knowledge with action and achieving social change.
-Adapted from the WK Kellogg Foundation Community Health Scholars Program

One helpful resource summarizing core elements of Community-Based Research can be found at: http://depts.washington.edu/ccph/pdf_files/annurev.publhealth.19.1.pdf

COMMUNITY-BASED RESEARCH METHODS
There are many approaches to community-based research. One core element that cuts across these approaches is that community partners are involved with faculty and/or students as co-creators of scholarship throughout the entire process. 

COMMUNITY-BASED RESEARCH RESOURCES

CSU's Community-Based Research Conferences
Since 2006, more than 900 CSU and non-CSU faculty, staff, students, and their community partners have come together to explore how campuses and communities can collaborate more equitably on research.

• Learn about upcoming CBR conferences and events.
• 2010 CBR conference highlights: keynote podcasts, workshops and panel offerings and the CSU's CBR E-publication.