The History of the Community Innovation Lab
In this module, individuals will learn about the fundamental principles of the Community Innovation Lab and its impact on local development. Participants will explore the history of the Lab and the principles of the community innovation lab.
The Community Innovation Lab (CIL) at the University of Kentucky is a multidisciplinary network of academics, community members, and community-based organizations collaborating to drive social change in communities worldwide. At CIL, we engage with communities - where solutions can be imagined, invested, and nurtured - to explore, develop, and apply social innovations.
The Community Innovation Lab (CIL) explores, applies, and examines innovations associated with local, national, and international communities. It is part of a multidisciplinary network comprised of academics, community members, and community-based organizations.
Why was the Lab created?
The Community Innovation Lab at the University of Kentucky was established in 2015 to carry out community-engaged research that improves the quality of life in local areas. Rooted in qualitative and mixed-methods approaches, the lab defines “community” broadly—by location, interest, practice, or identity—and seeks to generate work that is both academically rigorous and socially impactful. Its projects often include research-based strategic planning for local nonprofits, survey design to understand community interests, and collaborations with local governments and hospitals to identify pressing needs. All of this work is grounded in established academic theory, ensuring that recommendations are evidence-based and practical while staying focused on the lab’s central goal: creating meaningful, research-driven change for the communities it serves.
Equally central to the lab’s mission is the growth of the students who comprise it. Undergraduate and graduate fellows join the lab to pursue research projects connected to their own passions, ranging from livestock training to disability awareness, father efficacy, and transformative experiences in education abroad. While the topics are diverse, each project focuses on enhancing the quality of life and fostering a deeper understanding of various communities. Through this work, students gain opportunities rarely available at their stage of study—conducting original research, presenting at conferences, publishing papers, and networking with community partners. The lab is committed not only to producing high-quality scholarship but also to developing its fellows personally, academically, and professionally. By pairing community impact with student growth, the Community Innovation Lab cultivates a model of research that is collaborative, meaningful, and transformative for both the university and the broader public.
What are the lab Principles?
The lab conducts research-based, community-engaged projects that improve quality of life and support diverse communities.
It develops students academically, professionally, and personally through hands-on research, networking, and real-world impact.
The lab fosters a collaborative, supportive environment where students build friendships and enjoy the work