Registration deadline: March 20

Join us for the 2026 Community-Engaged Research (CER) Conference and Awards Ceremony, a full-day event celebrating excellence in community–campus research partnerships. This annual gathering brings together researchers, students, community members, and community partners who are advancing meaningful, collaborative research that makes an impact.

2026 Theme:

Knowledge Mobilization in Community-Engaged Research

This year's conference explores how knowledge is shared, translated, and co‑created through community-engaged research. Attendees will gain insights into strategies that strengthen equity, impact, and community relevance.

Pre‑Conference Interactive Workshops

New this year, we are offering pre‑conference interactive workshops designed to support skill-building, deepen engagement, and prepare participants for a meaningful conference experience. These sessions provide opportunities to explore community-engaged research practices, tools, and collaborations in a hands-on, facilitated environment. 

• Workshop 1: Real Talk: More than a Podcast with HARRC & HIPC
  • Tue Feb 24 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM 
  • For more info and to register, click here
• Workshop 2:  Equity-based Co-Creation: Reimagining Approaches to Knowledge Mobilization with Diverse Communities
  • Thu Mar 12 2:00 - 5:00 PM
  • For more info and to register, click here

What to Expect on Conference Day

• Opening Remarks (9:10 AM - 9:40 AM)
• Keynote Presentation (9:45 AM - 10:45 AM)
  • Hear from leaders in knowledge mobilization in community-engaged scholarship
• Research Gallery (11:00 AM – 1:30 PM)
  • Explore community-engaged research projects showcased by students, faculty, and community partners.
• CER Awards Ceremony (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM), featuring:
  • President’s Award for Community-Engaged Research
  • OCE Award for Grassroots Community-Engaged Research
•  Roots of Wisdom Art Installation (All Day)
  • Roots of Wisdom is an interactive art installation developed in collaboration between the Isenberg Lab (Bruyère Health Research Institute, University of Ottawa) and scenic artist and set designer David Rayfield that asks what it means to “die well”. This innovative piece first presents as a sapling which invites audiences to complete a survey about the goals, values, and meaning that affect end-of-life decision making. The survey responses will feed and nurture the sapling, which will return to some venues as a mighty tree next year, teeming with leaves, flowers, and fruit that represent what audiences share is most important to decision making at end of life.
    

This event welcomes anyone involved or interested in community-engaged research, including scholars, students, practitioners, and community organizations.

Location

McMaster Continuing Education
1 James St N, Rooms 204/206
Hamilton, Ontario

Showcase Your Research

Interested in presenting your project at the Research Gallery? Use this form to indicate your interest. 
Submission deadline: February 17, 2026.

Questions?

Shahad Al‑Saqqar – alsaqqss@mcmaster.ca

We look forward to seeing you at the 2026 CER Conference!

*Refreshments and lunch will be provided, and parking is available underground and on the street. The area is also served by excellent public transit.