Events

BRAIN HEALTH FAIR

Held on March 21, 2026

Hosted by UROC (Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center) in collaboration with the University of Minnesota Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain, the University of Minnesota Medical Discovery Team on Addiction, and the Shen Neurolaw Lab, this event highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary and community-engaged approaches to advancing brain research.

The Brain Health Fair played a critical role in translating research into accessible knowledge, strengthening community–university partnerships, and ensuring that scientific discovery remains responsive to real-world needs and lived experience.

This event was part of the Why Brain Health Matters series, supported by UROC and community partners across the Twin Cities.

A Theory of Change in Science: What Works In Designing Biomedical Research for the Community

Held on May 26, 2026

Drawing on their combined expertise in clinical medicine and community-based research advising, our featured speakers explored what it takes to design biomedical research that truly serves the communities it aims to help. This event examined the theory of change behind effective community-engaged science.

Led by Martha Kenney, MD, and Helen Hemley, MPA, this event covered:

  • Foundational principles for building a theory of change in biomedical research

  • Practical strategies for designing studies with community needs at the center

  • Lessons learned from applying these approaches in real-world research settings

This event was part of a public lecture series supported by the Improving Recruitment, Engagement, and Access for Community Health Equity for Human Neuroimaging Research (REACH for BRAIN) project, funded by the NIH BRAIN Initiative.

Engaging the Community in Neuroscience Research

Held on April 28, 2025

Drawing on more than 25 years of combined experience in clinical research, clinical care, and healthcare settings, our featured speakers demonstrated how familiar scientific approaches can be applied to recruitment, engagement, and retention (RER) in neuroscience.

Led by Principal Investigator Jonathan Jackson, PhD, and Co-Investigator Helen Hemley, this event covered:

  • Practical solutions for efficient and effective RER

  • Strategies for building meaningful community partnerships beyond initial engagement

  • Methods to reach the public outside traditional stakeholder circles

This event was part of a public lecture series supported by the Improving Recruitment, Engagement, and Access for Community Health Equity for Human Neuroimaging Research (REACH for BRAIN) project.

The Use of Race and Ethnicity is Neuroscience Research

Held on February 25, 2025

In this virtual event, Professor Ruqaijah Yearby and Dr. Margaret Moss will join us for a discussion of the report Rethinking Race and Ethnicity in Biomedical Research implications for equity in neuroscience research, their own backgrounds in health equity research, and the efforts of the REACH for BRAIN initiative in promoting equitable and community-engaged biomedical study recruitment. In addition, panelists will provide guidance for those engaged in equity research moving forward. The discussion will be moderated by Dr. Francis X. Shen, co-Principal Investigator of the REACH for BRAIN initiative.