Taking College Research Global: Presenting at the International Sociology Association in Morocco

By Sara Cumming

Earlier this summer, I had the honour of representing Sheridan on the global stage at the International Sociology Association (ISA) Forum in Rabat, Morocco. As part of the conference, I hosted a session titled “ Clinical Sociology and the Anthropocene: Community Engaged Approaches to Solving Real-World Issues” and presented in the session “Certified Clinical Sociologists: In and out of the Academy”. It was an incredible opportunity to share how our work at Sheridan is helping shape real-world solutions through applied, community-based research.

During my presentation, I shared insights from three key projects rooted in our Community Engaged Research framework:

• The Life Skills Project – A multidisciplinary initiative (FHASS, FAAD, FACHS, PSB, and SPARK) that used community-engaged research to support vulnerable populations in the GTHA building practical, transferable life skills.
• Africa at Work, part of Colleges and Institutes Canada’s (CiCan) international programming – This project was a collaboration between female social scientists at Niagara College and Sheridan College with 26 educational institutions in Kenya  to mentor educators and administrators  as they work to incorporate gender mainstreaming into their institutions.
• Pathways to Potential – the newest project under the Community Ideas Factory, which continues our commitment to co-developing innovative solutions with community partners by identifying barriers and building actionable pathways to socio-economic inclusion.

Each of these projects exemplifies how Community Engaged Research (CER) can be used as both a methodology and a catalyst for collaborative, equity-driven change. By listening to the community and working together to co-create solutions, we’re not just studying problems—we’re actively solving them.

It was inspiring to connect with sociologists, researchers, and community leaders from around the world who are equally committed to using research as a tool for social transformation. And it was a great opportunity to showcase the leadership, innovation, and impact of applied research at Colleges on an international platform.

While away, I also had the opportunity to play tourist and travel to 11 different areas of Morocco, each with its own highlight reel.  A magnificent country with stunning scenery, mouth watering food, incredible people and culture . One of the most striking aspects of the trip was the juxtaposition between the rural Moroccan landscape and the reach of modern technology. In many of the smaller towns and villages, donkeys still share the roads with motorbikes, and centuries-old buildings sit alongside cell towers. Smartphones are everywhere, and social media is a lifeline for youth organizing, small business marketing, and even education. This contrast reminded me of the importance of contextualizing technology within local realities—not assuming absence based on infrastructure, but rather understanding how innovation adapts to its environment. It’s a powerful parallel to our work in community-engaged research: solutions aren’t one-size-fits-all—they emerge from the ground up, shaped by the people who live them.