C02 - [IN-PERSON/RECORDED] Decolonizing Science for Justice: Closing the Research Loop

This session will be offered in-person and recorded for on-demand access by in-person PRIMR23 attendees registered for this day, and PRIMR23/SBER23 Virtual Meeting registrants.

The call to decolonize research methods has become increasingly pressing, particularly for historically marginalized and oppressed groups, following the publication of Dr. Linda Tuhiwai Smith's seminal work, "Decolonizing Methodologies: Research and Indigenous Peoples" (2012) and the renewed focus on social justice following the murder of George Floyd in 2020. Decolonizing research methods entails re-examining and breaking down the traditional power structures in scientific knowledge creation, where the principal investigator holds control over all aspects of the project, from conceptualization to dissemination of findings. It emphasizes empowering and engaging study participants as expert contributors, who actively shape the study design, data collection, and dissemination process. This approach, however, presents challenges as it often conflicts with traditional IRB oversight and approaches. How can HRPP/IRBs professionals re-imagine work with researchers to decolonize and liberate methods? And how can researchers and HRPP/IRBs ensure that research gives back to communities?