West Philadelphia Promise Zone Research Connection
PZRC connects researchers and residents — building stronger, community-driven initiatives that are impactful and effective in the Promise Zone.
Building Community-Driven Programs
Ensure research positively impacts residents of the West Philadelphia Promise Zone by advocating for research that protects, respects, and benefits residents and by educating residents on their rights against research abuse.
Community Research Review Board (CRRB)
Submit your proposal to the West Philadelphia CRRB and collaborate with residents to make your research more relevant, ethical, impactful, and effective.
Our History
From the first stakeholder conversations in 2014 to a resident-led review board, here’s how the PZRC and the Community Research Review Board (CRRB) came to be.
2014
After West Philadelphia is named one of the first federal Promise Zones, residents and stakeholders begin talking about how research is done in their neighborhoods.
2015
The idea of a Promise Zone Research Connection takes shape — a community voice in research that happens in West Philadelphia.
2016
PZRC sets its mission: research that protects, respects, and benefits Promise Zone residents.
2020
PZRC receives its first grant, funding the work of building a community-led research review system.
2022
The Community Research Review Board (CRRB) launches to review research proposals from the community’s perspective.
Spring 2023
PZRC becomes a nonprofit organization.
Fall 2023
A second grant supports PZRC and the CRRB as they continue to grow.
2025 & 2026
PZRC brings residents, researchers, and partners together each year to share research and build partnerships.
Happening at PZRC
PZRC's second annual Research Day brought more than 100 community members, researchers, and partners to the Drexel University Health Sciences Building to strengthen community-research partnerships.
See More About the Event →
PZRC's inaugural Research Day brought community leaders, researchers, and residents to ExCITe Center Building to build trust and shape ethical, community-engaged research.
See More About the Event →
PZRC presented its proposal for a Community Research Review Board at Penn's Community Scholars Program — taking first place honors and $3,000 in funding from the jury.
Designated one of the first federal Promise Zones Under the Obama Administration
Launched our community-led Community Research Review Board
West Philadelphia residents engaged
Featured Media
PZRC is featured on PRIM&R's Research Ethics Reimagined podcast, exploring how community members and researchers can build meaningful partnerships that drive impactful, effective change in West Philadelphia.
Listen to the episode
