Community Engaged Undergraduate Research (Introduction)

This image captures CER topics discussed in a meeting with people involved in projects between TRU and the City of Kamloops.

What is Community Engaged Undergraduate Research?

Community Engaged Research (CER) is a process in which groups of people within a community collaborate to answer questions. It is a partnership which includes multiple participants – researchers, community members, organizational representatives, grant providers- all of whom contribute expertise and share in decision making. At TRU, this process involves faculty and students who work together with community partners to co-create new knowledge through research. CER research approaches are often interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary, allowing for a creative, iterative process. TRU undergraduate students are able to learn through research projects in their local community, experiencing the real life impact of what they are learning in the classroom. This experience is very rewarding and impactful for everyone who is involved in the process.

Respectful, reciprocal relationships and partnerships are at the core of community engaged research, which often addresses complex and evolving topics. If you wonder about some of the skills that community engaged undergraduate researchers draw on, or what some examples of CER research are, visit the closer look of this workshop.