An intensive form of community-engaged research (see Glossary), participatory research is an innovative and collaborative approach to scientific inquiry aligned with the ethic of “nothing about us without us.” Academic researchers and lived experience experts outside the academy (e.g. youth, families, educators, practitioners) co-design and conduct research for action.
Under Director Ozer’s leadership, IHD brings major strengths in youth-led participatory action research (YPAR), in collaboration with Innovations for Youth (i4Y) and its long-term community partnerships. YPAR is an innovative approach in which young people are trained to conduct systematic research to improve their lives, communities, and institutions intended to serve them (see YPAR Hub).
IHD also brings an intergenerational frame in advancing participatory research, including the meaningful participation of families in research focused on child development and wellbeing.
