Creating New Ways of Research

The Journal of Participatory Research Methods (JPRM) has published a special issue examining participatory dissemination—the practice of involving community members and partners in deciding how research findings are interpreted, shared, and put into action. Community-engaged research is based on the idea that researchers and community members should be partners throughout the research process. Communities identify priorities, shape research questions, interpret findings, and guide action. However, the sharing of research findings (dissemination) has received far less attention than other aspects of community-engaged research.

The special issue grew out of conversations that began during a previous JPRM special issue developed in partnership with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Interdisciplinary Research Leaders (IRL) program. Participatory dissemination emerged as a recurring theme across many projects and as an area that deserved deeper attention. Eight articles in this issue were authored by IRL fellows or program staff. There are 29 peer-reviewed articles in total.

The issue is believed to be the first peer-reviewed collection devoted entirely to participatory dissemination. It explores both the opportunities and challenges of involving communities in dissemination efforts and offers practical examples for researchers, practitioners, and community organizations.

The collection also introduces a working definition of participatory dissemination (please see the Editorial), helping establish a common language for researchers and community partners interested in this growing area of practice.

The special issue also contributes to the growing field of translational science. A persistent challenge in this field is ensuring that research findings do not stop at publication but instead inform decisions, programs, and action. Participatory dissemination addresses this challenge by involving community partners in interpreting findings and determining how they are shared. Across the issue, authors show how these collaborative approaches can strengthen the public impact of research.

The Journal of Participatory Research Methods, in collaboration with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Interdisciplinary Research Leaders (IRL) program, is proud to announce the publication of a special issue titled “How Communities and Research Institutions Work Together to Dismantle Structural Racism and Advance Health Equity.” This issue advances the dialogue around health equity, structural racism, and the essential role of collaborative, community-engaged research in driving systemic change.

This special issue brings together 15 peer-reviewed articles that explore how communities and research institutions can forge and foster meaningful research and action partnerships to tackle deep-rooted inequities in health and society. The collaboration between the Journal of Participatory Research Methods and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s IRL program underscores a shared commitment to not only understanding but actively addressing the structural barriers that perpetuate health disparities by working with communities and stakeholders.

The special issue includes contributions from community-based practitioners and university or institutional researchers, encompassing teams that participated in the IRL program as well as those that did not. The journal sought articles that describe the challenges and successes involved in research that prioritizes meaningful community collaboration and shared leadership between researchers and community members. These insights are crucial for understanding how to navigate the complexities of building effective partnerships and achieving impact.