In 2021 the Community Research Platform was designated one of McMaster’s Core Research Platforms

Situated in the Faculty of Social Sciences, the CRP emerged from our long-standing investment in Community-Engaged Research. The CRP is committed to working with our partners to advance research that addresses critical societal challenges and contributes to increased health and wellbeing.  

We strive to: 

• Increase the research capacity of all stakeholders  
• Support the research needs and aspirations of partner organizations 
• Advance interdisciplinary and intersectoral social impact research  
• Provide Community-Engaged Research training and professional networking for students 
• Increase capacity to secure academic, community and government grant funding 

Community Engaged Research focuses on the creation and dissemination of knowledge that has positive and tangible impact in our communities.

Our researchers and community partners combine their expertise and resources to shed light on social issues, improve the wellbeing and resilience of community members, and support innovation and policy advocacy.  

CRP partners share an interest in collaborating with our faculty to increase their capacity to engage in and use research that can advance their organizational goals and meet the needs of those they serve.  Platform partners are well networked locally, regionally, and/or nationally, increasing the scalability and impact of research projects and knowledge mobilization activities. 

The CRP is organized around five thematic research areas.

These research areas align with the mandates, goals and knowledge of CRP partner organizations and the research strengths and interests of faculty members. 

• Mental Health
• Arts-informed Research 
• Social Engagement and Community Resilience 
• Criminalization and Social Justice  
• Gender and Intersectionality 

The CRP brings together staff and leaders at partner organizations with researchers and students from McMaster. 

Together we develop projects that combine scholarly and community knowledge and expertise to generate social impact.

Governance and Impact

The CRP is co-led by an Academic Director and a Program Manager and is governed by a Steering Committee comprised of representatives from McMaster and community partners.