Conference blog: Community-Based Research Summit in Vancouver
We ask our students to let us know what they experience at the various conferences they attend.
Shayan Novin recently attended the Community-Based Research Summit in Vancouver, British Columbia. This national conference attracts researchers, students, and community members from across Canada, creating a space for sharing scholarly work and community-driven initiatives.
Find out how it went!
2S/LGBTQIA+ health care, research, and social services
I attended this conference as part of my fellowship with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research 2S/LGBTQ+ Health Hub. I had the opportunity to network with conference presenters and attendees, learning about their practice and listening to their lived experiences.
The conference aims to 'promote 2S/LGBTQIA+ health care, research, and social services, as well as share best practice applications of, and new research informing 2S/LGBTQIA+ culturally responsive health care. As well, this forum is a space to build the capacities of health care providers, researchers, and community members to address issues in 2S/LGBTQIA+ health' (Community-Based Research Centre, 2024).
Hearing diverse perspectives
One session I attended focused on the current statistics surrounding sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs) in Canada. The findings were both eye-opening and impactful.
During the session, attendees were divided into groups to reflect on and discuss the statistics. I had the opportunity to engage in a thought-provoking discussion with clinicians, representatives from Freddie© (a telemedicine platform providing medication to prevent HIV infection), and other community members.
What stood out to me was how each participant brought a unique perspective, noticing different details about the issue and proposing diverse potential solutions. Together, we gained a more well-rounded understanding of the multifaceted approaches needed to address the rising HIV rates among young men.
Learning about patient participation in research
In one presentation, I had the opportunity to learn about a doctoral student’s research process. Their community-based study required participants to reflect on deeply emotional and potentially traumatic topics. I was deeply moved by their commitment to building genuine relationships with participants - they spent two years engaging in everyday activities with them, completely unrelated to their research aims.
I found their approach inspiring and appreciated hearing how rewarding this process was for both the researcher and the participants. While dedicating such a significant amount of time
may not always be feasible, this experience encouraged me to think more intentionally about how I approach participants in my future research. I aim to make research design choices that foster trust and genuine connection.
Inspiration for work and studies
I left the Community-Based Research Summit feeling inspired. Each presentation was led by passionate individuals who were genuinely excited to share their work and proud of the incredible contributions they had made.
Beyond the presentations, I was particularly inspired by the broader conference culture. Many participants had been attending this event annually, creating a sense of a close-knit, longstanding community. As an outsider, I initially felt intimidated, but the environment was incredibly welcoming. Multiple people approached me to chat, and their openness to connecting and supporting others’ research goals was truly remarkable.
Of the conferences that I had previously attended, this sense of unwavering, radical support was truly something different.”
