Research Community Collaborative kickoff: A powerful start to a shared vision
On December 2, just after World AIDS Day, the Midwest D-CFAR's Scientific Working Group (SWG) hosted the virtual kickoff for the Research Community Collaborative. This event marked the beginning of an exciting effort to create a shared plan for HIV research that responds to the needs of communities across Missouri and the Midwest. SWG director Michael Durkin and co-director Dima Dandachi facilitated the meeting, alongside SWG coordinator and longtime HIV advocate Kneeshe Parkinson.
The kickoff event drew 38 participants from community-based organizations, health departments, and academic institutions across the Midwest.
A Community-Driven Research Agenda
The Research Community Collaborative aims to ensure that the people most affected by health disparities have a strong voice in shaping HIV research. The group’s mission is to align academic research with the needs of the community. Members will not only help set priorities but also work with researchers to refine project proposals, perhaps even partnering with researchers to implement and evaluate the work that is prioritized.
During the kickoff, attendees responded to poll questions, providing feedback to guide the Collaborative’s plans.
Research Priorities
Participants highlighted three priorities for the Collaborative to consider:
Supporting Black-Led Organizations: Strengthening and empowering organizations led by Black community members is critical for addressing health disparities and building trust.
Expanding Harm Reduction Services: Attendees stressed the need for programs that help vulnerable groups, like people who use drugs and sex workers, reduce risks and improve health.
Providing Direct Services to Unhoused People: There is a strong need for organizations that offer vital resources to people experiencing homelessness.
Michael Durkin thought the event was a great start to an exciting initiative. "There was a higher-than-expected degree of participation from both community members and academic researchers,” he said. “The responses were clear that people view ending the HIV epidemic in Missouri to be a statewide issue that requires multidisciplinary approaches."
Looking Ahead
The next Collaborative meeting will take place in early 2025, building on the momentum of the kickoff event. Facilitators will share highlights from the kickoff discussions and address questions raised by participants. The group will also begin planning a consensus research paper that reflects the community’s priorities and ideas. Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to brainstorm new research collaborations based on shared interests, with the hope of engaging even more participants.
This initiative holds great promise for creating impactful research that addresses real-world needs and we welcome your participation. If you are interested in joining the Research Community Collaborative and contributing to this vital work, you can apply online.
Written by April Houston