Research Centers and Programs

Community Engagement Core

The Community Engagement Core (CEC) is dedicated to empowering investigators in conducting community-engaged research across all types of studies, including clinical trials, observational studies and community participatory research.  Our mission is to accelerate clinical and translational science, addressing the substantial burden of pediatric conditions that disproportionately impact underserved and systemically marginalized populations. By promoting participation from and respectful engagement with historically excluded communities, the CEC will foster fully collaborative community-scientific partnerships.

  • CEC services are offered to Seattle Children’s investigators by a Community Engagement Manager, who offers consultations and direct assistance to teams as they plan and execute community-engaged and/or multilingual research. This includes support in helping to establish new community partnerships.
  • The Community Research Navigator will oversee bilingual Clinical Research Coordinators, who will be available to support community-based data collection, multilingual REDCap builds, and cultural adaptation of study materials.
  • A Community Consultation Group, composed of 8 to 12 community members representing organizations and groups who are interested in child health but historically excluded from research, will meet monthly to review intramural grant proposals and provide study teams with advice on recruitment, retention, results dissemination and longer-term community engagement. They will also provide guidance on CEC direction and operations.
  • Affiliated faculty will be available to assist teams with specific topics and to be written in to grant proposals. Overall direction will be provided by CHBD Interim Center Director Tonya Palermo, PhD, and CDHE Research Director Casey Lion, MD, MPH.

CEC Areas of Focus

  • Engaging with community partners for research
  • Enhancing research inclusion and representativeness
  • Cultural adaptation of research materials
  • Strategy development for language accessible research  

Save the Date: CEC's First Open House

  • Monday, December 16, 3 to 4:30 p.m.
  • Building Cure, Room 1-750

Contact Us

If you’re interested in a consultation, getting a quote for services, or just want to learn more, fill out our brief intake form or email Elizabeth.wingfield@seattlechildrens.org.

Services Offered

Consultation services

Available to Seattle Children's Research Institute investigators at any career or project stage or phase. Review and feedback may be iterative and throughout the life of your project. 

  • Project development and implementation, including guidance around IRB management, payment considerations and cultural adaptation of study materials
  • Advice on budget considerations and compensation for individuals/organizations engaged in research  
  • Assistance with descriptions and scripts for grants and IRB protocols
  • Providing connections and partnerships between clinicians, researchers and communities, including opportunities for long-term collaborations
  • Individual study plans for recruitment and retention, at any project phase
  • Results dissemination
  • Community engagement strategies
  • Recruitment materials feedback and development

Research services

  • Multilingual REDCap survey development
  • Participant recruitment
  • Data collection
  • Qualitative data collection (in collaboration with BEAR Core)
  • Cultural adaptation of study materials (including translated materials as resources permit)

Affiliated Faculty

If you are interested in learning more about becoming an affiliated faculty member, we would love to hear from you. Please email Elizabeth.wingfield@seattlechildrens.org.