This presentation explores how to build equitable, long-term partnerships between academic researchers and community organizations. It will be co-led by a practitioner with over a decade of experience working for water justice and conservation organizations in underserved regions of the United States and a university professor with deep expertise in community-based research and advocacy in Hawaiʻi.
Drawing on ethical research guidelines for working with communities, we will discuss how principles of cultural respect, community leadership, and the integration of local knowledge are essential for successful, community-driven research. Through real-world examples, we will highlight the dos and don’ts at each stage of the research process—from project design to sharing results. We will address challenges such as power imbalances and communication breakdowns, and offer practical strategies for overcoming these obstacles.
Key to successful research partnerships is equitable compensation for community partners, including the opportunity to serve as co-principal investigators. We will also discuss strategies for fostering respect and valuing community expertise throughout the research process.
This presentation provides actionable insights for building sustainable, mutually beneficial research partnerships that honor community organizations, while bridging the gap between academia and the communities most impacted by environmental and social challenges.
