Collaborative Transdisciplinary Research in a Small Institution: Challenges and Opportunities

Area of Science:

• Community-based research
• Transdisciplinary research
• Health disparities

Background:

• Transdisciplinary (TD) and Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR) initiatives are often implemented in large, well-resourced institutions.
• Less is known about the implementation of TD and CBPR in smaller academic settings with limited infrastructure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the conceptualization, development, implementation, and sustainability of a TD and CBPR initiative at a small academic institution.
• To emphasize the role of capacity building in this process.

Main Methods:

• The study was conducted at a teaching-intensive Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI).
• It involved a collaborative TD and CBPR initiative, detailing challenges and lessons learned.
• Focus was placed on capacity building despite limited resources.

Main Results:

• A collaborative TD and CBPR initiative was successfully implemented.
• Success was achieved despite limited resources, research infrastructure, and diversity among participants.
• Continuous capacity building and community liaison roles are crucial for sustainability.

Conclusions:

• Capacity building facilitates TD and CBPR implementation but challenges in community engagement and interdisciplinary integration persist.
• Continuous reflection is critical for advancing TD and CBPR efforts.
• These initiatives can positively impact health disparity reduction through diverse perspectives.