Reflections from the 2025 Society for Community Research and Biennial Conference

Senior Research Specialist Ana Genkova attends and presents at the 2025 Society for Community Research and Biennial Conference

Last month, I had the opportunity to participate in the 2025 Society for Community Research and Action (SCRA) Biennial Conference hosted by Michigan State University in East Lansing. The conference brough together an energizing group of scholars, practitioners, and activists dedicated to advancing equity, justice, and community well-being. As someone committed to translating research into real-world impact, I left the conference with renewed clarity about both the promise—and the persistent challenges—of driving change through community-engaged research. I co-lead two sessions in the conference program—a round table discussion about youth violence and a panel about institutional support for community engagement.

In the roundtable session, “Breaking the Cycle: Why Youth Violence Persists Despite What We Know,” we invited a diverse group of researchers and practitioners into dialogue about a troubling paradox: despite decades of research, funding, and program development, youth violence continues to be a critical issue in the U.S.

Together with co-panelists Andrew Martinez (Center for Justice Innovation) and Fabricio Balcazar (University of Illinois Chicago), we explored the systemic and structural barriers that often prevent promising interventions from being implemented effectively—or sustained over time. Participants shared insights from across the country, identifying deep misalignments between evidence-based strategies and the realities faced by those on the ground.

Some of the most pressing questions raised included:

• What prevents communities from scaling what works?
• How do funding structures and institutional policies limit flexibility and innovation?
• And perhaps most importantly: how can we support frontline practitioners and organizations in not just surviving, but thriving?

The conversation underscored the urgent need for collaborative, long-term strategies that bridge the gap between research and practice—and center the lived experiences of youth and their communities.

In a second panel session, “System Change in Research and Funding Institutions to Bolster Community Engagement,” I joined moderator Stephanie Reich (University of Calfornia-Irvine) and co-panelists Jennifer Renick (University of Memphis), Elyse Aurbach-Pruitt (Michigan State University), and Fabricio Balcazar (University of Illinois Chicago) to discuss how institutions must evolve if we are to advance truly equitable, community-driven research.

We examined how academic norms, grant structures, and incentive systems often perpetuate extractive practices—where communities are studied, but not supported. The conversation highlighted emerging models of scholarship that place power, trust, and decision-making in the hands of communities themselves.

For me, this session reinforced a core belief: meaningful impact starts not just with good data, but with accountability to the people our work is meant to serve. From tenure and promotion criteria to how we define research "rigor," systemic reform is both necessary and possible. Great ideas came out of our discussion, including the roles of professional organizations in supporting researchers in community-engaged practices.

Looking Ahead

The SCRA Biennial reminded me that while the work of social change can often feel slow or fragmented, spaces like this—rooted in dialogue and action—are essential for building momentum. I’m grateful to have been part of these conversations and to continue learning from colleagues who are pushing for more just, responsive systems in research and in practice.

To everyone who shared space with us in Lansing this year: thank you. Looking forward to building a better future together.