About Community Connect to Research
Community Connect to Research is a health information resource for patients and families in Massachusetts. The website was launched in April 2009 as an initiative of the Harvard Catalyst Community Engagement Program. It has evolved into a partnership among all three Boston-area Clinical and Translational Science groups, Boston University, Harvard University, and Tufts University.
The site consists of several major sections:
- In the Health Information section, you can read about various health topics written by doctors and other medical professionals specifically for patients and their families. Each of these health topics is linked with ongoing health studies in Massachusetts. You can view the related studies while browsing through individual health topics and articles, or you can search all the ongoing studies in Massachusetts. You will also find health resources that have been provided by respected Massachusetts hospitals, research centers, and medical schools that are part of the Collaborative for Community Engagement and Research.
- The Understanding Health Research section explains what health research is and its importance to all of us, the different types of health research there are and what research is going on right now, the risks and benefits of participating in medical studies, and, finally, what you should consider if you are thinking about participating.
- The Health Research in Massachusetts section has examples of how researchers, community organizations, and community members can work together in the research process. Here, you can also search for ongoing clinical studies in Massachusetts.
Project Team
The Community Connect to Research project team involves experts in health and medicine, public health, community-based participatory research (CBPR), and health informatics.