Collaborative Research I: Critical Reflections on Research Ethics and Methodological Practices

Collaborative and participatory research approaches seek to create equitable partnerships for the co-creation of knowledge in pursuit of shared goals such as health equity and environmental or social justice. While this work is premised on democratic values, it is not untouched by the social structures creating unequal power relations in the first place. It is thus vital for the collaborating partners, particularly for researchers working with structurally disadvantaged populations, to critically examine the intersecting dimensions of power, privilege and racism in order to avoid reinscribing these unconsciously. This session seeks to address the ethical and methodological challenges of collaborative and community research focusing on lessons learned and possible solutions for the problems at hand. Community and indigenous research ethics provide an important orientation in the processes of learning and unlearning, listening and re-framing that need to take place. However, material aspects of the collaboration and access to resources also play a crucial role. Furthermore, methodological practices of critical reflexivity, shared decision making and dialogue are needed as well as safe spaces for exchange among peers. We welcome contributions from the field of collaborative, participatory and community-based research that incorporate strategies helping to clarify the multilevel mechanisms through which power, privilege and racism can affect partnering processes and research outcomes thus providing tangible ways for establishing equitable partnering practices despite the odds. It will be a regular session with four oral presentations and ample time for discussion.