Community-engaged research centers on deep partnerships between academics and community members committed to addressing issues impacting local populations. Community is seen as more than just research subjects. It is recognized for the context and expertise it brings to the project.
The Confluence Collaborative supports community-engaged research through programs including Community Cafés, research symposiums, and the following offerings:
Need help shaping a community-engaged research idea or identifying next steps? We offer consultations for faculty and community partners to discuss project goals, funding fit, proposal development, and research partnerships.
If you are interested in consulting with Dr. Erica Bumpers, our Research Development Associate, on a research project, please fill out the Research Snapshot.
We support faculty and community partners throughout the proposal development process. Services may include preparing project materials and developing supporting documents such as:
- Letters of Intent
- Letters of Support
- Proposal Planning
- Grant Readiness Support
- Project Development Guidance
We help identify internal and external funding opportunities, including:
- Internal Funding Opportunities
- Pilot Awards
- External Grants
- Seed Grants
- Funding Calendars or Alerts
- Research Resources and Tools
William H. Danforth St. Louis Confluence Award
The William H. Danforth St. Louis Confluence Award is designed to elevate WashU’s investment in the St. Louis region by encouraging and rewarding faculty research that enhances our impact in St. Louis.
Learn more about the award and previous honorees here.
Upcoming Research Events
Featured Research News
Inside the WashU partnership examining the power of Black joy in schools
Seanna Leath and the School District of University City are exploring how Black children’s joy, well-being, and racial equity can strengthen educational outcomes.
Naseh receives grant from Missouri Foundation for Health
Mitra Naseh, an assistant professor at the WashU Brown School, has received a $612,000 grant from the Missouri Foundation for Health as co-principal investigator on a new project titled “Community-Driven Solutions for Sustainable Systems Change.”
CSD Faculty Honored for Innovative and Impactful Research at Confluence Awards
Three CSD faculty were recently recognized at the 2026 William H. Danforth St. Louis Confluence Award Research Showcase for their contributions to community-engaged research. The showcase elevates and recognizes WashU faculty members and their community partners for their innovative and impactful research as well as their deep engagement with the region.
For more information about our community-engaged research support, please email Erica L. Bumpers, PhD, our Research Development Associate.
The whole idea of community-engaged research, particularly at the level of what we call “community-based participatory” or “community action research,” is that notion of community benefit. That’s really what we want to facilitate.
Vetta Sanders-Thompson, PhD, Brown School