Training the Next Generation of Prevention Scientists: Cultivating and Maintaining Research-Practice Partnerships

This Roundtable Discussion aims to share challenges and lessons learned across diverse settings to support the next generation of prevention scientists to develop and cultivate research-practice partnerships (RPPs). Participation in effective RPPs is one strategy to close the research-practice gap (Easton, 2014). This is especially relevant in the field of positive youth development in which multiple systems (e.g., education, juvenile justice, child welfare) share the responsibility of supporting youth and families. In these partnerships, researchers and stakeholders make difficult decisions and consider tradeoffs between internal and external validity, effectiveness and feasibility, responsiveness and sustainability—all while considering costs in potentially resource-limited environments. Although building bridges across sectors and among decision-makers is critical (Tseng, 2002), scaffolded and structured experiences regarding the processof forming and maintaining RPPs are rarely included in graduate training or provided to early-stage professionals. Therefore, this Roundtable Discussion will specifically address the potential barriers and facilitators of engaging in RPPs for early-career prevention scientists.

This Roundtable Discussion highlights the work of five discussants from community-based organizations, school districts, and universities at varying levels of training and expertise (organizational leadership, training directors, professors, and students) currently working in diverse regions (e.g., Texas, New York, California, and Oregon). Through local and national partnerships, the discussants have supported the educational, emotional, physical, and mental well-being of adolescents living in predominantly low income, urban communities. Multidisciplinary perspectives (public health, social work, education, and counseling, community, and applied psychology) are represented, ensuring the discussion of prevention and promotion in a variety of contexts. Specifically, themes related to identifying potential partnerships, engaging in community- and relationship-building activities, and co-constructing research questions will be addressed to support early stage professionals and students. Additionally, discussants will address issues related to activities after RPPs are established; this includes best practices in communication, joint decision-making, capacity building, and dissemination in policy contexts. Considerations related to securing funding for partnership work, establishing memoranda of understanding (MOUs) or other data sharing / partnership agreements, and translating findings will be discussed.