Community-Engaged Research Series returns for its fourth year

Now in its fourth year, the Community-Engaged Research Series offers events throughout the academic year to address needs and challenges specific to community-engaged research. The 2026-27 series brings new topics and perspectives that will both educate researchers who are new to community-engaged work and reinvigorate experienced researchers.

Originally launched by community-engaged research leaders at the College of Education, Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Institute (IHSI), and Social & Behavioral Science Institute (formerly the Center for Social & Behavioral Science) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the series is now organized along with leaders from the College of Applied Health Sciences, College of Fine and Applied Arts, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, School of Social Work, and in collaboration with the Office of the Provost.

The collaboration allows for a wealth of session topic ideas and deeper understanding of researcher needs across colleges, as well as increased visibility and support for the series.

Community-engaged researchers at Illinois can expect two fall events and two spring events covering a range of topics:

• Values-driven partnerships, Sept. 24, in person
• IRB and business office considerations, Nov. 5, online
• Translating community-engaged research into policy, Spring 2027, TBD
• Building integrated teams for community-engaged research, Spring 2027, TBD

More than 330 individuals registered for the 2025-26 series – a large increase from previous years. In the fall, attendees learned about strengthening partnerships between the university and local communities through open dialogue, transparency, and shared purpose and sustainable partnership development. In spring, sessions included a workshop on creating a community-centered dissemination plan, and a panel discussion at the Urbana Free Library on why understanding history matters for research. 

Other available webinar recordings can be found on the IHSI webinars page.

Celina Trujillo, Research Development Manager at IHSI, sees the upcoming series as a new opportunity to bring together researchers who are passionate about their communities and about building a better future.

“I see a lot of passion for and commitment to conducting community-engaged research among our faculty and staff," said Trujillo. "With this series, we aim to support the important work of collaborative researchers at Illinois so they can continue their impact in the communities they serve." 

The partnering units will share details and registration information on each session as they are available. Subscribe to the IHSI email list to receive updates.