Guiding Principles for Community-Engaged Research

These principles were developed by the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) Community Advisory Board
Approved September, 2008

Long-Term engagement
Research investigators work through existing partnerships in the community when such partnerships exist. The level of partnership corresponds to each project’s level of community interaction and impact.
Mutual benefit
Increased knowledge improves the health of the community and benefits both the community and the researchers/URMC.
Mutual respect
Researchers and community members work together with humility, candor and mutual respect for expertise and cultural differences.
Shared findings
Research findings are shared with community partners and stakeholders.
Enhanced community capacity
Members of the "target community" for the research project are hired and trained where possible and appropriate, to help build and enhance community assets.
Shared responsibility
All partners (URMC and community partners) have obligations towards the project and the community.
Evidence-based
The best available evidence guides research relationships between URMC and the community, and best efforts are made to evaluate each project.
Collaborative from start to finish *
There is a collaborative and equitable engagement of all partners in all key phases of the research including

identification of target population

research objectives,

project organization

interpretation of data
Responsive to community priorities and perspectives *
Community-Based Participatory Research addresses health needs, interests and priorities established by the community. Health is addressed from both individual and ecological perspectives - (i.e. considering social, economic, cultural, and policy contexts).

* These guidelines apply specifically to Community-Based Participatory research.