(Cincinnati, Ohio) With their ability to design research to meet urgent community needs, and to directly apply research to create change, researchers and community leaders—such as directors of nonprofits, faith leaders, organizers or advocates—are powerful partners for impacting urgent community health needs.

As one of only 15 three-person teams selected, Farrah Jacquez, Associate Professor of Psychology at University of Cincinnati, joins Interdisciplinary Research Leaders, a new program led by the University of Minnesota with support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Jacquez will join researchers and community leaders from across the country to collaborate and innovate to solve persistent challenges and advance a Culture of Health—one that places well-being at the center of every aspect of life.

As part of the program Jacquez will conduct a place-based research project with community members in the Roselawn and Carthage neighborhoods of Cincinnati to promote early childhood wellness. Along with collaborators from New Prospect Baptist Church and the American Academy of Family Physicians, Jacquez will conduct research that will directly benefit Carthage and Roselawn communities.

“This program gives our fellows the tools to make their work even more relevant and potent—and to bring new leadership skills and perspective back to their communities as well,” says J. Michael Oakes, PhD, director ofInterdisciplinary Research Leaders and professor at the University of Minnesota. “We were overwhelmed by the commitment, diverse perspectives and innovative ideas in our applicant pool and are very excited to work with this first group to put research into action and create a lasting, on-the-ground impact.”

Additional partners providing training and coaching to fellows include: AcademyHealth, Allina Health, ISAIAH and Local Initiatives Support Corporation.

Interdisciplinary Research Leaders is one of four new leadership development programs launched this year by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and represent a four-year, multimillion dollar investment. The programs join five existing leadership programs in advancing RWJF’s legacy of supporting the development and diversity of leaders impacting health. The 2017 application period for the new programs will open in January. Additional information is available at www.interdisciplinaryresearch-leaders.org.