Creating a sustainable action-oriented engagement infrastructure-a UMN-MIDB perspective

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Community Engagement

Background:

• The murder of George Floyd highlighted systemic racism in America.
• The University of Minnesota launched the Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain (MIDB) in 2020.
• MIDB aims to foster interdisciplinary clinical and community research.

Purpose of the Study:

• Describe the mission of the MIDB Community Engagement and Education (CEEd) Core.
• Showcase initiatives promoting equitable research and community partnerships.
• Challenge traditional academic engagement models.

Main Methods:

• De-centering dominant academic voices in research.
• Affirming knowledge creation through diverse perspectives.
• Implementing programs like the Neuroscience Opportunities for Discovery and Equity (NODE) network and the NextGen Psych Scholars Program (NPSP).

Main Results:

• Several initiatives were launched to foster community-academic partnerships.
• Emphasis placed on augmenting knowledge creation with diverse voices.
• Established sustainable pathways for mutually beneficial scientific discovery.

Conclusions:

• Traditional academic engagement models are limited and can perpetuate exploitative power dynamics.
• Authentic community-academic partnerships are crucial for equitable scientific advancement.
• MIDB's approach aims to create a more inclusive research environment.