Family Engagement in Research Program
Since its inception in 2018, the FER Program has been bringing families, researchers, and health professionals together to learn from each other about how to meaningfully partner in research and health care.
Co-founded by a dedicated team of family leaders and health researchers, the Family Engagement in Research (FER) Program is an international training program led by CanChild Centre for Childhood-Onset Disability Research at McMaster University and developed in partnership with Kids Brain Health Network and McMaster Continuing Education.
We offer foundational to advanced-level training courses (including two McMaster University Certificate of Completion courses), a growing international Community Network, and a variety of engagement support services. We prioritize equitable access to learning by implementing inclusive practices, creating accessible content, and welcoming individuals of all backgrounds and experience levels.
Our mission is to train, mentor, and mobilize the next generation of advocates, champions, and leaders in family engagement.
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Scope of Services & Supports We Offer
Training and Education
We offer training to build knowledge and skill in family engagement in research and healthcare.
Organizational Support
We provide tailored engagement support to help individuals, groups, and organizations embed family engagement practices into their work.
Our Values & Approach
Authenticity
We create safe spaces where learners can be themselves.
Inclusivity
We value all knowledge and experience.
Collaboration
We facilitate co- learning and connection in supportive environments.
Mutual Respect
We build and foster trusting and respectful relationships.
Family Engagement in Research (FER) Course
The Family Engagement in Research (FER) Course is a 10-week online program that brings together a wide variety of individuals including families, researchers, educators, community members, and health professionals. It is for anyone interested in working together on child health and neurodevelopmental disability research.
The course teaches the principles of FER and includes discussions about the practical side of research partnerships. Instructors work to create a supportive space for trying out ideas and methods, helping learners build skills and confidence in both the theory and practice of family engagement in research.
Graduates receive a digitally issued McMaster University Certificate of Completion.
- Discover the FER Course in our publication which describes the conception, development, implementation, sustainability, and scalability of the FER Course through its first six years (2017 – 2023) (Cross et al., 2024).
Watch our video to learn more about us:
Founding Partners and Funders
