title: A Model for Strengthening Collaborative Research Capacity: Illustrations From the Atlanta Clinical Translational Science Institute.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Community-engaged research is effective in addressing health disparities but may present challenges for both academic institutions and community partners. Therefore, the need to build capacity for conducting collaborative research exists. The purpose of this study is to present a model for building research capacity in academic-community partnerships.
  
  
  METHODS
  The Building Collaborative Research Capacity Model was developed as part of the Community Engagement Research Program (CERP) of the Atlanta Clinical and Translational Science Institute (ACTSI). Six domains of collaborative research capacity were identified and used to develop a model. Inputs, activities, outputs, and outcomes of building collaborative research capacity are described.
  
  
  RESULTS
  To test this model, a competitive request for applications was widely distributed and four community-based organizations were funded to participate in a 2-year program with the aim of conducting a pilot study and submitting a research proposal for funding to National Institutes of Health or another major funding agency. During the first year, the community-based organization partners were trained on conducting collaborative research and matched with an academic partner from an ACTSI institution. Three of the academic-community partnerships submitted pilot study results and two submitted a grant proposal to a national agency.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The Building Collaborative Research Capacity Model is an innovative approach to strengthening academic-community partnerships. This model will help build needed research capacity, serve as a framework for academicians and community partners, and lead to sustainable partnerships that improve community health.
authors: Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA kirsten.rodgers@emory.edu.
authors: Kirsten C
authors: KC
authors: Rodgers
authors: Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
authors: Tabia
authors: T
authors: Akintobi
authors: Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
authors: Winifred Wilkins
authors: WW
authors: Thompson
authors: Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
authors: Donoria
authors: D
authors: Evans
authors: Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
authors: Cam
authors: C
authors: Escoffery
authors: Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
authors: Michelle C
authors: MC
authors: Kegler
mesh_terms: D057191:Capacity Building; D055812:Community-Based Participatory Research / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003159:Community-Institutional Relations; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D006801:Humans; D017146:Models, Organizational; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016730:Program Development; D012107:Research Design; D057170:Translational Research, Biomedical; D014481:United States; D014495:Universities
keywords: community health; community health promotion; community-based participatory research; health disparities; health promotion