By: Latosha Rowley & Richard Bray

An IUPUI multidisciplinary Community Engaged Research Group (CERG) was developed through collaborative efforts of the Office of Community Engagement and the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research. CERG was created to develop, support, and sustain community engaged research; community based participatory research; and creative activity at IUPUI. CERG consists of faculty, staff, students and local community members who represent a variety of sectors throughout Indianapolis and the state.

CERG is committed to facilitating and conducting research that addresses pressing community issues. And we believe the best way to do that is to partner with people, community organizations, and neighborhoods. In order to do so, we use the community-engaged research framework, a participatory action approach to research and evaluation that includes people and communities affected by societal issues. CERG is guided by principles of social justice, mutuality, and ethical exchange which are practiced through dialogue, co-learning, and long-term commitments to participation. CERG is collaborating with IU Northwest faculty, staff, students, and community members to foster relationships that address mutual community concerns – fresh food for our neighbors.

Please visit CERG for the latest updates and community research projects.