Social Justice in Scientific Research: “Research with them and not on them”

This year’s Advancing the Science of Community Engaged Research conference explored how researchers and research institutions can better partner with communities to examine and address health inequities. Advocates, religious leaders, government executives, and research professionals gathered at the AAMC in Washington, DC for a mix of scientific discussion, community talk back, and knowledge sharing. I was grateful to be part of the dialogue made possible by Meharry Medical College and Vanderbilt University Medical Center; below are a few highlights from some of the attendees.

Anchoring research in communities is the only way to “unlock deeper truths in health”

Race and public health must be examined together

Diversity in the research workforce is dismal

It takes a village to advance research…institutions should recognize and value this.

Patients and caregivers should be at the center of research and health