Why a Research Hub?
The growing prevalence of chronic health conditions continues to place significant pressure on healthcare systems worldwide—disproportionately affecting equity-deserving populations such as older adults, First Nations communities, immigrants, and individuals living with complex social and health needs. Recognizing the urgent need for research that centers lived experience and drives equitable solutions, EQUIP@Action was founded by Dr. Ide Costa as a collaborative research hub committed to transforming healthcare through person-centered, empowerment-based, and action-oriented approaches.

The name EQUIP@Action reflects the hub’s foundational values: Equity, Inclusion, Person-centeredness, and Action-oriented research. These principles guide every aspect of our work—from the participatory methodologies we use to the cross-sector, cross-national partnerships we build, and the change-driven outcomes we pursue.

EQUIP@Action bridges the gap between research, practice, and policy by fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, community engagement, and innovative knowledge mobilization. It is a space where researchers, professionals, and communities—across geographies and disciplines—co-create solutions grounded in lived experience, advancing more just and inclusive health systems globally.