Community Engagement Core to Bring Clinical Research Closer to Communities
Official title: Community Engagement Core
Funded at Texas Southern University · NIH-11420422 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A community-focused program at Texas Southern University works with local health systems and organizations to connect people with health research and improve access to new therapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas Southern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 1986 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,157,987 |
| NIH project number | 5U54MD007605-33 |
| Project ID | NIH-11420422 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals from the Greater Houston Community area, especially those from historically underrepresented groups, who are interested in learning about and potentially joining clinical research.
✕Less likely to help
People not currently seeking information about clinical research or those outside the targeted community region may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This grant funds a Community Engagement Core that partners with FQHCs, healthcare systems, and community groups in the Greater Houston area to raise awareness about clinical research and empower community members to participate. The goal is to reduce barriers to participation, increase trust, and ensure research opportunities reflect the needs of diverse populations, including Black, African American, and Asian communities. Activities include health education events, focus groups, community engagement studios, free continuing education for community health workers, and collaborative clinical services. The program leverages existing relationships to expand access to trials and promote culturally relevant outreach. Over time, this effort aims to translate community insights into more inclusive and impactful biomedical research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients in the community could gain earlier access to cutting-edge therapies and have a voice in shaping research priorities that affect their health.
How similar studies have gone: Past community engagement efforts have shown increased attendance at health education events, stronger trust, and greater CHW engagement, though translating outreach into trial enrollment remains an ongoing challenge.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas Southern University
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ajewole, Veronica B. — Texas Southern University
- Study coordinator: Ajewole, Veronica B.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.