Methods for Building Community-engaged Partnerships in Ecotoxicology

Background: Ecotoxicology provides powerful tools to characterize the nature and effects of pollution, which can be impactful when used in community-engaged research (CEnR). However, academic researchers are often insufficiently informed about the communities in which they conduct research. Researchers are not usually from or familiar with the cultural nuances of these communities, which is problematic for the strength of community-engaged projects. CEnR in ecotoxicology integrates local ecological knowledge and cultural understanding of communities with academic disciplines. Our ecotoxicological investigations of the health effects of pesticides, perchlorate, and toxic metals among residents of the Sonora–Arizona border involve direct collaboration among university researchers and local community groups. Objectives: We created a protocol for establishing and maintaining community–university partnerships to address ecotoxicological effects of pollution. Our step-by-step process fosters genuine research relationships, leading to better outcomes for the affected communities. Methods: We compiled information collected by our team members through qualitative interviews and group discussions. Using integrated perspectives, we created research protocols for sustainable and equitable partnerships in community-based ecotoxicology. The steps illustrate effective practices for beginning, building, and bolstering such partnerships. Conclusions: Ecotoxicology projects require expertise from an array of fields. Investigators approach projects with different background knowledge, training, and experiences. In effective partnerships, each group adds significant value to the overall project, whether that contribution is technical proficiency, local knowledge, or cultural wisdom. These partnerships require trusting relationships and suit organizations committed to long-term collaborations. Our approach offers a replicable model for transdisciplinary teams seeking to conduct meaningful, collaborative ecotoxicology research.