Research Apprenticeship and Its Potential as a Distinct Model of Peer Research Practice

Background: Three models of peer research have emerged: advisory, employment, and partner. We propose a fourth model, the “research apprentice” prototype conceived as a postsecondary workforce development avenue for members of disadvantaged communities.

Objectives: We introduce the research apprenticeship experience and its potential contributions to the fields of health equity and translational research.

Methods: Implementation of the research apprenticeship model within a survey research project.

Results: In this article, we 1) identify the model’s distinctive qualities, 2) conceptualize an appropriate industry for graduates, 3) recognize its value for those with little access to postsecondary education, and 4) formulate a vision for contributing to health equity and translational research.

Conclusions: The research apprenticeship holds potential to realize goals of capacity building, empowerment, and co-learning; generate educational progress and employment for participants; expand diversity in biomedical research; support two-directional co-learning between community and academia; and contribute to dismantling structural racism within the biomedical sciences.