Identifying leverage points to sustain community-engaged research infrastructure in academic systems: a participatory systems science approach
- 1Department of Population Health, NYU Langone Health
- 2Center for Systems and Community Design, City University of New York Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy
Abstract
Background: This study aimed to characterize multi-level factors influencing sustainability of community-engaged research (CEnR) infrastructure in academic systems and identify intervention leverage points.
Methods: We used a participatory systems science approach. Interviews with 28 principal investigators and 20 study staff informed an initial causal loop diagram, which was refined in group model building workshops to identify strategies to improve CEnR practices. An impact and feasibility survey and plenary session were used to prioritize strategies.
Results: Interacting feedback loops shaped CEnR sustainability across three domains: funding, institutional barriers, and authentic partnerships, with academic culture influencing all three. Participants identified 27 strategies to improve CEnR practices. Prioritized strategies included relationship building, hiring community members, expanding funding for community partners, diversifying grant review panels, broadening evaluation beyond quantitative metrics, and implementing flexible payment processes.
Discussion: Sustaining CEnR requires changes in academic culture, funding structures, and institutional practices. Systems-informed strategies that reduce administrative burden, value community-responsive outcomes and relationships, and invest in authentic partnerships may strengthen CEnR sustainability. Academic institutions and funders can support CEnR by aligning promotion, evaluation, and financial policies with community-engaged work.
Related
- Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis in Rural Eastern Cape: Integrating Whole-Genome Sequencing, Conceptual Transmission Modelling and Community-Based Participatory Research
- Small grants as capacity building for community engaged research infrastructure: a multi-site case study of research centers in minority institutions
- Developing a youth sustainability healthy active living intervention for chronic disease prevention and environmental sustainability through community engagement and codesign: protocol for a multimethod community-based participatory research study in Canada and Jamaica
- Participatory action research in rural and vulnerable settings for community health: a systematic literature review.
- 'Taking care of your mind': participatory research to identify priorities and co-design wellbeing resources with the Muslim community following COVID-19.
BibTeX
@article{đoan2026identifying,
title = {{Identifying leverage points to sustain community-engaged research infrastructure in academic systems: a participatory systems science approach}},
author = {Lan N. Đoàn and Rachel L. Thompson and Sze Wan Chan and Perla Chebli and Stella S. Yi},
journal = {Frontiers in Public Health},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.3389/fpubh.2026.1970793},
url = {https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2026.1970793/full},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Identifying leverage points to sustain community-engaged research infrastructure in academic systems: a participatory systems science approach
AU - Lan N. Đoàn
AU - Rachel L. Thompson
AU - Sze Wan Chan
AU - Perla Chebli
AU - Stella S. Yi
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/21
JO - Frontiers in Public Health
DO - 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1970793
UR - https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2026.1970793/full
AB - Background: This study aimed to characterize multi-level factors influencing sustainability of community-engaged research (CEnR) infrastructure in academic systems and identify intervention leverage points. Methods: We used a participatory systems science approach. Interviews with 28 principal investigators and 20 study staff informed an initial causal loop diagram, which was refined in group model building workshops to identify strategies to improve CEnR practices. An impact and feasibility survey and plenary session were used to prioritize strategies. Results: Interacting feedback loops shaped CEnR sustainability across three domains: funding, institutional barriers, and authentic partnerships, with academic culture influencing all three. Participants identified 27 strategies to improve CEnR practices. Prioritized strategies included relationship building, hiring community members, expanding funding for community partners, diversifying grant review panels, broadening evaluation beyond quantitative metrics, and implementing flexible payment processes. Discussion: Sustaining CEnR requires changes in academic culture, funding structures, and institutional practices. Systems-informed strategies that reduce administrative burden, value community-responsive outcomes and relationships, and invest in authentic partnerships may strengthen CEnR sustainability. Academic institutions and funders can support CEnR by aligning promotion, evaluation, and financial policies with community-engaged work.
SN - 2296-2565
ER -