History
The Bronx has a long, storied history that is filled with many struggles for the people that call it home, making it one of the most studied regions in the area. The high frequency of medical and socio-economic hardships in the area make it an attractive subject for academic research, and sadly also make it a target for potential abuses.
In order to protect the disadvantaged and vulnerable populations in the Bronx from academic research abuse, such as lying about the potential dangers of studies or violating their human rights, a group of passionate community members established The Bronx Community Research Review Board (BxCRRB). We are advocates for the Bronx, working to create a better life for everyone in our community.
No Research About Us Without Us
BxCRRB was founded in 2008 as a way to add community-focused oversight to the research review process. We began as a community-academic research partnership between the Bronx Health Link and Albert Einstein College of Medicine, in order to open new channels of communication through open and transparent discussion.
Drawing from the expertise and knowledge of these organizations, BxCRRB was able to form a volunteer board that could learn about the processes and best practices of an academic research study. By combining this training with genuine understanding and familiarity of the unique needs and nuances of Bronx residents, BxCRRB has been able to educate researchers on what is ethically and culturally beneficial to our community.
From 2010-2013, we received funding from the National Institutes of Health and National Institute for Child Health and Human Development. In 2016, we received a PCORI Eugene Washington Engagement Award to establish a Community Engaged Research Academy in the South Bronx. The Community Engaged Research Academy (CERA) was run from 2017-2019 with two cohort years of 2017-2018 and 2018-2019. (For folks involved in each year, see: 2017, 2018).
Briefly, The BxCRRB started as a grant funded feasibility study out of The Bronx Health Link (TBHL). TBHL created the BxCRRB@gmail account in 2013. Folx* active on the board, wanted to continue to work independently from TBHL. We established ourselves as a separate organization in December of 2019. Please use [email protected] for all future correspondence. For more about BxCRRB history, please see:
- The research study that established the board.
- Our PCORI work developing our Community Engaged Research Academy.
- How we ethically collaborate with Black & Brown communities as guests on Munsee Lenape lands.
*Folx is gender neutral and trans inclusive for “folks.”