Capacity Building in Community-Based Participatory Research

Across disciplines and regions, there is growing demand for research that is socially relevant, ethically grounded, and capable of generating real-world impact. In response, researchers and institutions are increasingly recognising the importance of co-constructing knowledge with communities, rather than treating them merely as subjects of research.

Within this shift, community engagement and community-based participatory research (CBPR) have emerged as key areas of professional competence globally. CBPR is shaping research and action in fields such as climate resilience, public health, food and nutrition security, and sustainable development, areas where locally grounded knowledge and collective problem-solving are essential. Despite its growing relevance and policy endorsement, global studies by the UNESCO Chair in Community-Based Research and Social Responsibility in Higher Education highlighted significant gaps in the practice of CBPR worldwide. This concern closely aligns with the UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science, which calls for meaningful engagement with societal actors and dialogue across diverse knowledge systems.

To address these gaps, the UNESCO Chair, under the leadership of Dr. Rajesh Tandon and Dr. Budd Hall, developed a pioneering pedagogy for capacity building in CBPR through the Knowledge for Change (K4C) initiative. Over time, this initiative has grown into the K4C Global Consortium, bringing together learning and practice hubs across multiple countries, including India, and creating a global platform for shared learning and practice. In India, the programme aligns strongly with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which calls on higher education institutions to embed social responsibility, experiential learning, and community engagement within teaching and research. National initiatives such as the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA) further reinforce this direction. At the same time, there remains a clear need for formal training that supports educators and young researchers in translating policy aspirations into meaningful, community-engaged practice.

Developed in partnership with K4C hubs in India and guided academically by the UNESCO Chair, the Master Training Programme responds directly to this need. It also builds on India’s growing institutional commitment to CBPR, reflected in initiatives led by bodies such as the UGC and AICTE.

Building on this momentum, the India K4C Consortium complements national capacity-building initiatives such as the Malviya Mission Teacher Training Centres (MMTTCs) and UGC two-credit course on Community Engagement and Social Responsibilities under the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan.

Rooted in this globally recognised pedagogy, the Master Training Programme offers a structured, practice-based pathway for learning and applying CBPR. The programme is delivered by a global faculty of experienced and certified CBPR practitioners, who bring decades of experience in teaching, research, and field-based practice across diverse cultural, disciplinary, and institutional contexts. Through this programme, participants join a global learning community and gain the skills, perspectives, and confidence needed to advance inclusive, community-engaged research and education.

Learning Objectives

1. Develop an ethos of socially responsible research that respects community voices and safeguards vulnerable groups. 
2. Understand the principles, ethics, and methods of CBPR, and apply them in academic and community settings. 
3. Build capacity to mentor researchers and students in CBPR methodologies. 
4. Integrate community engagement and social responsibility into institutional practices and curricula. 
5. Link research to social transformation and systemic change in higher education and society. 
6. Cultivate long-term, reciprocal partnerships with communities based on trust and shared ownership of knowledge. 

Programme Components: The training programme provides an overview of CBPR, its principles, objectives, and methods. Through hands-on learning, an in-person residency, and a field-based component, participants will strengthen their participatory research skills and build confidence in mentoring and facilitating CBPR processes. The programme connects CBPR concepts to practical research and institutional contexts, with a focus on translating research findings into ethical, actionable insights for communities, institutions, and policy. Participants will also undertake locally supervised community-based research projects, applying CBPR methods in real-world settings while engaging with community stakeholders and reflecting on their learning. 

Location: India

Who can apply? This programme is designed for university faculty, PhD scholars, and early-career researchers who want to conduct research that is ethical, socially relevant, and transformative. Through a mix of conceptual learning and practical fieldwork, participants will gain the skills to embed social responsibility into their institutions and drive systemic change in higher education and society. 

Mode of Delivery: Hybrid (Virtual, In-person, and Field Practicum) 

Duration: 8 Weeks [9 March – 29 April, 2026: Includes a six-day face-to-face residency at CHRIST University, Bengaluru (23–28 March, 2026)]

Training Methodology: The India MTP follows a blended learning approach combining: 

• Online Learning: Conceptual modules introducing CBPR principles, ethics, and frameworks. 
• In-Person Residency: Regionally organised residency for collaborative learning, dialogue, and participatory practice. 
• Locally Supervised Field Study: Community-grounded projects applying CBPR methods in real-world contexts. 

Registration Fees: The fee is ₹25,000 (inclusive of GST) for the full eight-week programme, including the six-day in-person residency. Travel to and from the venue (CHRIST University, Bangalore) is not included. This subsidised fee ensures wider accessibility. 

Certificate:  Certificate will be issued on successful completion of course. 

Knowledge and Organising Partners: