Fundamentals of Community-Based Participatory Research
Community-based Participatory Research (CBPR) is a form of participatory research with an emphasis on equal partnership and engagement between community members, stakeholders, and researchers. This methodology focuses on research with or by community members, rather than for a community to promote social equity and community empowerment. By introducing purposeful community participation into scientific research, one-sided power is removed, and a democratized research process and community centered approach is encouraged. In addition to academic institutions, the CBPR is becoming increasingly popular with various healthcare organizations, such as the Centres for Disease Control, NGO’s, and other services organizations, which emphasize co-ownership and co-decision making between community partners and academic researchers.
Teaching format
This is a one-day, hands-on workshop with a participatory and flipped classroom teaching style. Learners will be working in small groups to depict the ‘real-world’ CBPR research design as part of their ‘hands-on-training.’ Learners will be given with an opportunity to co-create their learning objectives and develop a research protocol, focusing on the integration of the CBPR principles.
July 4, 2026
- Morning hybrid session: 8:00 am to 12:00 pm noon
- Afternoon in-person session: 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Learning outcomes
By the end of this workshop, participants will:
- Understand the fundamental principles and theoretical foundations of participatory action research (PAR) and community-based participatory research (CBPR).
- Learn about foundational principles of community engagement, as well as broader inter-sectoral partnerships in communities, especially northern and rural
- Develop a research protocol grounded in CBPR methodology, incorporating community priorities with integrated quantitative and qualitative research designs within a CBPR framework.
- Facilitate reciprocal knowledge exchange between researchers and community partners through capacity building, evidence translation, and community-led dissemination of research findings.
Instructors and Organizers
Abbas Jessani, DDS, MSc, PhD
Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University
Dr. Abbas Jessani is an Associate Professor in the Divisions of Dental Public Health, Epidemiology and Biostatistics. He also serves as Director of the Global Health Systems graduate program at Western University in Canada. His research focuses on oral health equity and improving access to care among marginalized and at-risk populations through community-based participatory research (CBPR). Dr. Jessani’s work emphasizes meaningful community engagement, co-creation of knowledge, and integration of social determinants of health into oral health research and practice. He has led interdisciplinary, community-driven initiatives in Canada and internationally, working with populations including 2SLGBTQ+ communities, people living with HIV, and socioeconomically disadvantaged groups. His program of research advances equitable, culturally safe models of care and strengthens community capacity through partnership, knowledge translation, and policy-relevant evidence generation.
Google Scholar page:Ìý
Amrinderbir Singh, DDS, MPH
Associate Dean Academic (interim), College of Dentistry, University of Saskatchewan
Dr. Amrinderbir Singh is an Assistant Professor of Dental Public Health and the Interim Associate Dean Academic at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) College of Dentistry. With a background in clinical dentistry and a Master of Public Health, Dr. Singh brings a wealth of experience in health equity, access to care, interdisciplinary and patient-centered care, and oral health for priority populations to his roles at USask and with CAPHD. At USask, his research focuses on innovative community outreach and holistic strategies to improve oral health in underserved communities, while his teaching develops the interpersonal skills of the next generation of dentists to provide exemplary patient-centered care. He also serves as the Interim Associate Dean Academic, and Director of Community Outreach for the College of Dentistry. Prior to joining USask, his dedication to improving the health of priority populations began with his previous leadership roles in Northern Saskatchewan, including Director of Primary Health Care with the Saskatchewan Health Authority and Regional Intersectoral Coordinator with the Northern Human Services Partnership.
Website:
Schedule
| Saturday, July 4, 2026 | |
|---|---|
| Time | ItemÌý |
| 8:00 am - 8:30 am | Light breakfast |
|
8:30 am - 8:45 am |
Welcome, introductions andÌýdiscussion of expectations |
| 8:45 - 9:15 a.m. |
Develop session objectives and review key CBPR concepts, including the co-creation of research objectives, collaborative implementation, and community-integrated knowledge generation. |
| 9:15 - 10:00Ìýa.m. |
Small group discussions with critical appraisal of the literature |
| 10:00 - 10:10Ìýam | BreakÌý |
| 10:10 - 11:00 am |
Flipped classroom approach and small-group case studies to provide hands-on training in CBPR methodologies. |
| 11:00 - 11:10 amÌý | BreakÌý |
| 11:10Ìý am - 12:00 pm | Wrap up discussion |
| 12:00 - 1:00 pmÌý Ìý Ìý Ìý ÌýlunchÌý | |
| 1:00 - 2:00 pmÌý |
Learners will work in two groups to develop research question and objectives |
| 2:00 - 3:00 pmÌý |
Learners will work in the groups for a simulated role play of developing CBPR project. Each group will assume responsibilities and role of community and experts respectively.Ìý |
| 3:00 - 3:15 pm | BreakÌý |
| 3:15 - 4:00 pmÌý | De-brief and feedback |