UC BRAID Community Engagement Retreat unites researchers and community leaders to advance health equity across California

Attendees pose for photo at UC BRAID retreat
By Community Engagement and Research Program
1 min read

On September 10–11, UC Davis hosted the inaugural UC BRAID Community Engagement Retreat, gathering over 100 community leaders, researchers, and university partners from across the University of California system. The retreat created space for honest dialogue, shared learning, and collaborative planning around how to strengthen meaningful partnerships between academic institutions and the communities they serve.

This convening was further elevated by the participation of NCATS leadership - including Dr. Joni Rutter (NCATS Director) and Dr. Michael Kurilla (Division of Clinical Innovation Director) – as well as UCLA CTSI leadership, including Dr. Arleen Brown (UCLA CTSI Co-Director). Their presence emphasized the national significance of UC BRAID’s collaborative model and reinforced NCATS’ expectations for strong UC system engagement in translational science and community-based research.

Participants explored approaches to equity-centered engagement, community-driven research priorities, and strategies for ensuring that the voices of patients, families, and community organizations are central to research. Breakout sessions allowed community partners to highlight their lived experiences, while UC and CDU faculty and staff reflected on opportunities to reduce barriers and foster long-term, trust-based relationships. Dr. Cynthia Gonzalez (UCLA CTSI Community Engagement & Research Program Co-Leader) and Maria Rosales (LA County DHS Equity and Engagement Coordinator for Community Programs) were instrumental in leading an interactive World Café session that helped facilitate critical discussions around community health.

Key themes included:

  • Building sustainable partnerships that move beyond transactional engagement
  • Enhancing community leadership in research design and implementation
  • Aligning UC resources to amplify local community priorities
  • Strengthening communication pathways to ensure bi-directional knowledge sharing

The retreat underscored UC BRAID’s commitment to community as a true partner in discovery and innovation, not just a stakeholder. By working together across campuses and neighborhoods, attendees reaffirmed the shared vision of advancing health equity through research that reflects, respects, and responds to the needs of diverse Californians.

Photo caption: (left to right) Cynthia Gonzalez, Elizabeth Boyd and Maria Rosales pose for a photo following an interactive discussion session around community health.

Photo source: UCLA CTSI Community Engagement and Research Program