Community Engagement
Penn State CTSI believes the best health research starts with the people it’s meant to help. Community-engaged research (CEnR) brings together those most affected by health challenges (patients, families, clinicians, researchers, and community organizations) to find practical, evidence-based solutions that make a real difference.
The Penn State CTSI Community Engagement Team fosters meaningful partnerships between researchers and communities, including those in rural areas, to bridge gaps in research participation. We see communities not just as participants, but as true partners. That’s why we focus on building trust, being transparent, and working ethically toward one shared goal: better health for everyone.
Our team leads a variety of initiatives, such as Community Engagement Studios and Community-Driven Research Days, that actively incorporate community perspectives into the research process. The team designs and delivers nationally recognized training programs and practical resources aimed at developing a highly skilled, multidisciplinary research workforce. Through strategic collaborations with health centers and community-based organizations, they work to broaden access to research opportunities and enhance participant involvement. Additionally, the team supports lay dissemination and translational efforts to ensure research findings are communicated clearly and effectively to community members, promoting practical application and impact. Their efforts contribute to advancing research that is both accessible and shaped by the communities it serves.
CEnR Tools & Resources
Community Engagement Studios
Engage community partners, enhance research practices, and improve study analysis communication.
Community-Driven Research Days
Researchers and clinicians working together with community leaders towards innovative solutions.
CEnR Researcher Toolkit
Practical resources for researchers engaging with communities in meaningful and ethical ways.
CEnR Community Toolkit
Tools and guidance designed to help communities partner effectively in research projects.
CEnR Virtual Sessions
Delivering CEnR programming aimed at developing a highly skilled, multidisciplinary research workforce. Watch our virtual workshop playlist on YouTube.
CTSI works with researchers and the community to:
Assist with the engagement of community and multi-disciplinary research teams in strategic partnerships that translate research into policy and practice
Ensure communities have the capacity to participate as full partners in the research process, are consulted for their research priorities, respected, valued, and rewarded for collaborative activities
Ensure understanding of and strong support for research and ultimately the enhanced health of individuals and communities across their lifespan
Nurture opportunities for scientific discoveries
Develop evidence-based practices for successful university/community partnerships
Develop community health coalitions
Request Consultation
Not sure what service you need? Complete our consultation request form with as much detail as you can, and our team will follow up to guide you and connect you with the right support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Consultations are open to members of the Penn State community. Consultations are required for all CTSI pilot funding recipients.
Consultations include:
Assistance in establishing a research project in the community
Assistance to identify stakeholders who can provide input at all stages of research, from conceptualization and discovery to dissemination
Guidance in the selection of approaches for community-engaged health research (CEHR) that promote trust and benefit all parties
Research project design involving interdisciplinary teams and community partners
Community-based research approaches and protocols that effectively engage stakeholders in urban and rural settings
Support coordination among community members, health care providers and research scientists
Identification of needs and priorities for health-related research in Central Pennsylvania communities
Tools for increasing diversity of community member participation in health research through awareness and involving community members in the development of effective recruitment, retention and dissemination strategies
Assistance with patient and stakeholder engagement for Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) applications
Community engagement consultations are free.