Among equals: Strengthening community-based knowledge mobilization through international cooperation

Abstract

This paper details the formation of a collaboration between the University of Victoria and the Society for Participatory Research in Asia (PRIA). Dr. Budd Hall describes how shared commitments to participatory research, community engagement, and knowledge mobilization brought the two organizations together and what that collaboration looked like in practice, from joint course development and student exchanges to co-organized research conferences. The paper outlines the strengths and priorities of each organization and highlights collaborative initiatives in continuing education, participatory research, community–university partnerships, curriculum development, and international exchanges. The paper also recognizes key principles that have supported the collaboration, including trust, reciprocity, flexibility, and respect for diverse forms of knowledge and experience. The paper provides an example of how institutions from different contexts can work together to build research capacity, strengthen knowledge mobilization, and support socially engaged learning at local and international levels.