Prince Edward Island pitching researchers in province’s first ‘reverse science fair’

Researchers attend a reverse science fair – to gather date and improve mental well-being on Prince Edward Island.

Community organizations in Prince Edward Island are sharing real-world knowledge to address challenges in the mental wellness space at the province’s first reverse science fair on Thursday.

“It’s an event where we flipped the script, where we invite community organizations to present their questions and invite researchers to learn the expertise communities, so we have lots of big goals about where community research is headed in P.E.I., but really today is about laying the foundation for research,” said Megan MacKenzie, director of knowledge, mobilization and impact with P.E.I. Alliance for Well-Being.

“Historically, research is something that’s been done to communities instead of with communities. And this event really aims to bring communities into the conversations about research and answering the questions around our mental well-being that matter most.”

The one-day event at the University of Prince Edward Island reverses the roles in a traditional science fair by having community organizations and members exhibit ideas for scientists. Researchers are encouraged to collaborate with organizations to find evidence-based solutions.

“Instead of us research experts presenting to the community, we’re saying, ‘what is your issue in the community? And how can we as researchers work with you?’” said William J. Montelpare with UPEI Human Development and Health.

The goal of the reverse science fair is to connect organizations and researchers to improve mental health in Prince Edward Island, said a news release from the Alliance for Mental Well-Being.

“We‘re hoping to make connections with other community organizations who are interested in the same things that we’re interested in, food security and volunteerism,” said Haley Zavo with Meals on Wheels P.E.I.

“While we’re experts at what we do in our community, work as a nonprofit and I’ve learned so much, we often are not experts at researching,”

The alliance organized the event in partnership with the UPEI office of commercialization, industry and innovation.

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