Print

Our Research Approach

Research Approach

We see research as a powerful social tool not just for better understanding the world, but also for creating a better world that is more equitable, fair and just. Our research priorities, projects and activities are guided by five values and principles: relevance, rigor, quality, ethical practice, and positive impact.

Our research centers on historically marginalized communities who face disproportionate and systemic inequities (racialized groups, immigrants/newcomers, refugees and people with precarious immigration status, 2SLGBTQI+ groups, and families living in low-income neighborhoods). We investigate issues that tend to be under-explored by mainstream research institutions. Our research priorities and projects go beyond simply documenting poor health outcomes and offering Band-Aid solutions to alleviate symptoms; instead, we strive to understand root/systemic causes and social determinants of poor health outcomes and inequities in ways that can inform upstream and long-term solutions.

Please click here for more information about our Community-based Research (CBR) framework.

The key social determinants we focus on include systemic racism/racialization, immigrant/migration status, forced migration, poverty, precarious employment, language barriers, food insecurity, environmental justice, and social isolation/exclusion.