Addressing the Need for Just GeoHealth Engagement: Evolving Models for Actionable Research That Transform Communities

GeoHealth as a research paradigm offers the opportunity to re-evaluate common research engagement models and science training practices. GeoHealth challenges are often wicked problems that require both transdisciplinary approaches and the establishment of intimate and long-term partnerships with a range of community members. We examine four common modes of community engagement and explore how research projects are launched, who has the power in these relationships, and how projects evolve to become truly transformative for everyone involved. Plain Language Summary GeoHealth research is often partnership focused. We describe four common models for community-engaged GeoHealth research and highlight the central characteristics of each, while daylighting the lived experiences of LEAD Agency activists. We note a range of outcomes emerge which can foster science-based environmental health policy making and lead to justice focused actions.

Automated summary

GeoHealth research as a paradigm emphasizes the importance of community engagement and partnerships. The success of research projects hinges on the establishment of transdisciplinary approaches and long-term partnerships, along with considerations of power dynamics and participant identities.