Our Journey

Rooted in Partnership, Growing in Impact

Built on years of community partnership and a commitment to health equity, CCEDIR has grown from grassroots collaborations into a leading hub for community-engaged research at the Indiana University School of Public Health–Bloomington. Today, CCEDIR connects partners, trains future leaders, and advances solutions that improve health across Indiana and beyond.

Pre-2023 | Roots & Early Foundation

The CCEDIR's roots were established through long-standing community partnerships, early implementation research, and the work of IU's Office of Community Health Engagement and Office of Global & Public Health Partnerships.

2023 | Center Approval & Momentum

Indiana University formally approves the creation of CCEDIR at the School of Public Health–Bloomington.
Development of the Community Advisory concept begins.
CCEDIR begins facilitating the longstanding IU Health/IU initiative Get Onboard Active Living (GOAL) - its first signature community–academic initiative.
CDC Prevention Research Center (PRC) grant submitted.
First community-engaged research symposium held featuring Dr. Mickey Eder.

2024-2025 | Official Launch & Growth

October 2024: Official CCEDIR launch.
ENGAGE Framework introduced as CCEDIR's guiding approach.
Immersive Community-Academic Partnerships (ICAP) launched through Strategic Doing.
Community Academic Series launched.
BRIDGE (Building Research Ideas through Dialogue, Grant Development, and Engagement) established to support collaborative grant development with community partners.
Wreath of Commitment Ceremony secures 22 partner pledges.
Strategic Doing sessions and cross-sector collaborations expand across Indiana.

2025-2026 | Expanding Impact

More than 200 students engaged through GOAL, Hoosier Health Check, and community-engaged research projects.
Network grows to over 150 members
Partnerships strengthend with:
- IU SPH-B Nutrition Exercise Research Center (NERC)
- IU SPH-B Prevention Insights
- IU Center for Rural Engagement (CRE)
- Indiana Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI)
Research portfolio expands in implementation science, mental health and recovery, health equity, chronic disease prevention, rural health, and ADRD literacy and research readiness.
Strategic Doing workshops implemented with partner communities.
Implementation Commons seminar series launched and expanded.
Community-engaged initiatives and immersrive partnerships continue to scale.