Thompson Rivers University researchers have once again teamed up with community partners as part of an initiative designed to promote social innovation.

The Community Driven Research Fund, which was announced last year, supports opportunities that foster collaborations between researchers and community organizations. The research projects are driven by the needs of the community partner and provide opportunities for students to participate in community-based research. The results of the research will contribute to evidence-based decision-making. Each project receives $2,500, with matching contributions of up to $2,500 in cash or in-kind support from the partner.

>Read: Researchers team up to solve community challenges, InsideTRU, March 6, 2017

Fall 2017 Community-Driven Research Fund projects:

• Dr. Edward Howe, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Education and Social Work, in partnership with the Big Little Science Centre: “Kamloops Clean Air Study: How do we measure air quality?”
  About the project: This project will see the installation of an air quality monitor at the Big Little Science Centre, along with the development of an interactive, educational display. The goal is to educate community members about the importance of, and current threats to, clean air.
• Dr. Terry Kading, Associate Professor, Faculty of Arts, in partnership with People in Motion, for the project: “Public Transportation for People with Disabilities in Kamloops: Does it adequately meet the needs of people with disabilities?”
  About the project: Two undergraduate students, working alongside Dr. Kading, will conduct research that identifies potential gaps and barriers for people with disabilities who require public transit, with the goal of drawing attention to areas in need of improvement.
• Courtney Mason, Canada Research Chair, Faculty of Tourism, for two projects:
  • “Generating a food systems and organizations database: Local and regional food policy change,” in partnership with Kamloops Food Policy Council.
    About the project: The Kamloops Food Policy Council wants TRU’s help to create a database of all the food-based community programming and organizations in the city. This will better support a variety of organizations with strategic, long-term planning to determine how these initiatives can be connected and combined to achieve mutual goals.
  • “Evaluating White Buffalo Physical Activity and Health Programs for Young Indigenous Women,” in partnership with White Buffalo Aboriginal and Metis Health Society.
    About the project: Guided by the agency, the researchers will develop an evaluation plan that allows White Buffalo staff to measure barriers and successes in their physical activity and health programming. The goal of the project is to identify pressing issues and leverage successes for additional potential resources.