The research centre focuses on improving public health and reducing health inequalities through community-engaged research and education. The centre involves citizens, the commercial and public sectors, as well as non-profit organisations.

Events and news

Seminar, 18 March

March lunch seminar with Citizen Health

News

Citizen health: “We want to include citizens in the research”

Challenging health inequalities through the power of collaboration and pioneering research.

Margareta Rämgård, Director of Citizen Health

Why Citizen Health matters – and how we contribute

At the Citizen Health (CzH) research centre at Malmö University, we work to improve public health and reduce health disparities by involving citizens directly in the research process.

Our five highly integrated work packages:

1. Participatory research with health promotion interventions (CBPR)

Through community-based participatory research (CBPR), we support local initiatives that empower people to take control of their health, including oral health, and drive lasting change from within.

2. Preventing chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases

A collaboration within the Cities for Better Health, involving Region Skåne, Malmö City, and Novo Nordisk, is actively addressing diabetes prevention.

3. Develop and implement inclusive environments for sports, exercise and physical activity

Everyone, regardless of background, should have access to safe and welcoming spaces for sport and movement. We aim to develop and implement inclusive environments for young people regarding sports and physical activity.

4. Democratic health policy and governance in a digital age

We seek to map existing policy and governance processes in health and healthcare, as well as support innovation, as new technologies enter the field.

5. Innovative approaches for health evaluation

Here we seek to better connect everyday people to the development of new technologies that help them evaluate their health.

Researchers

Total hits: 29

Publications

Total hits: 9

Internationalisation

Citizen Health is actively engaged in international networks that strengthen participatory and collaborative health research. Through long-term partnerships and global working groups, we contribute to knowledge exchange, capacity building, and research that creates real-world impact.

Collaborative Action Research Network (CARN)

About CARN

CARN is an international community committed to advancing collaborative and action-oriented research across diverse fields and professional practices.

The network brings together researchers, educators, practitioners, and community partners who share a commitment to inquiry that leads to meaningful, real-world change.

With a strong focus on participation, reflection, and shared learning, CARN supports research grounded in practice and driven by collective action.

Citizen Health’s Connection to CARN

Citizen Health has been actively engaged in CARN for more than a decade. Together with Malmö University, Citizen Health is a sponsoring member of the network and contributes to strengthening collaborative and participatory research both locally and internationally.

In 2024, Citizen Health proudly hosted the Annual CARN Conference, further deepening its role in supporting CARN’s mission to foster dialogue, innovation, and action through research.

 

International Collaboration for Participatory Health Research (ICPHR)

About ICPHR

ICPHR is a global network dedicated to advancing high-quality participatory health research. It connects researchers, practitioners, community partners, and institutions committed to collaborative approaches that strengthen health, equity, and social justice.

Through shared standards, working groups, and international cooperation, ICPHR supports the development, evaluation, and dissemination of participatory research that is grounded in the lived experiences of communities.

Within ICPHR, several international working groups collaborate to advance participatory health research across diverse themes and communities:

  • Children and young people (Kids in Action),
  • migrant health,
  • ethics,
  • standards of practice,
  • community mental health,
  • indigenous health,
  • and health promotion.

Each working group brings together researchers, practitioners, and community partners to share knowledge, develop methods, and strengthen the quality and impact of participatory health research worldwide.

On podcasts

What happens when artificial intelligence meets global health? In this podcast episode, Michael Strange, Associate Professor of Global Political Studies at Malmö University, speaks with Kimberly Nevala about the role of AI in healthcare – beyond the hype. They explore how the pandemic reshaped the landscape, why technology must be understood in its political and material context, and why humility and interdisciplinarity are crucial for building a sustainable, inclusive, and human-centred healthcare system.

Our Method – Community-based Participatory Research (CBPR)


What is CBPR?

Community-based participatory research (CBPR) is a research methodology that includes the participation of those affected by the issue or problem being studied, with the dual purpose of creating knowledge and social change.

Why CBPR?

Traditional models of knowledge production have been criticised for being excessively researcher- and theory-driven, failing to adequately respond to people's health needs and translate research findings into societally relevant, effective health interventions.

Benefits of CBPR

CBPR enhances healthcare interventions' quality and cost-effectiveness and supports individual health and well-being by integrating science and practice.

Empowerment – a crucial part of health promotion

Community and/or individual empowerment lies at the very core of health promotion of people, organisations, and communities towards the goals of increased individual and community control, political efficacy, improved quality of community life and social justice. Through this approach, we seek to greatly strengthen the prevention of factors that undermine health and well-being.

Join us

Join us in shaping healthier communities

We welcome individuals passionate about health and well-being, whether you come from a healthcare background or care about improving life for yourself and those around you.

At our centre in Southern Sweden, we host workshops, collaborate on new ideas, and explore the key themes driving our work. We're always open to fresh perspectives and invite both local and international partners to join us in sharing knowledge, methods, and experiences.

Let’s work together to build healthier, more connected communities.

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