(Camden, NJ) – The South Jersey Institute for Population Health (SJIPH) has opened its fourth funding cycle for research teams to conduct community-engaged projects to improve health outcomes in South Jersey. In its first three cycles, SJIPH awarded nearly $1 million to projects in the South Jersey region.

“Each funding cycle has produced incredible research projects that have aided in improving the health and wellbeing of South Jersey residents,” said Jeffrey Nash, CEO of the Joint Board of Governors. “SJIPH is dedicated to improving health outcomes in residents of and they do so by getting funds into the hands of researchers who are going to make a positive impact on our communities.”

SJIPH, established in 2018 through a state grant received by the Rowan University / Rutgers – Camden Board of Governors, supports collaborative research aimed at improving health outcomes in both rural and urban communities in South Jersey. The objective is to improve and enhance the quality of life for all the residents in the region.

“Recognizing the significant health challenges facing South Jersey, SJIPH remains deeply committed to improving health outcomes across the region,” said Dr. Bob Weaver, the Rowan co-lead for SJIPH. “By fostering strong partnerships between South Jersey communities and Rowan and Rutgers–Camden Universities, SJIPH has already made meaningful strides in strengthening community health and building local capacity — and the upcoming funding cycle promises to further advance this important work.”

Research teams interested in applying for grant funding can learn about the application process at SJIPH.org and can submit a brief application and letter of intent by July 14. SJIPH has posted a webinar for those who want more information, which can be found at this linkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xog4KnL98jc.

“At SJIPH, we fund community-engaged research because improving health outcomes starts from the bottom up,” said Dr. Stephen Danley, the Rutgers-Camden co-lead for SJIPH. “Community organizations are already doing this work on the ground. Collaborative research with faculty from Rowan and Rutgers strengthens those efforts.”

About the Rowan University / Rutgers–Camden Board of Governors:

The Board was formed in 2012 with the primary mission being to leverage educational and research assets to support growth in the South Jersey region’s health care capacity. The Board strives to meet this mission through partnering with both public and private institutions to craft programs and projects that will create a more sustainable community and support the robust health sciences corridor in Camden.