OSU Superfund Research Program

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗲𝘀?

A new publication from Francesca Germano, a trainee in the Community Engagement Core, takes a closer look at this question through a systematic review of 32 studies on reporting research results back to participants. The findings show that approaches using clear language, visual formats, and multiple ways of sharing information can improve understanding, support informed decision-making, and encourage actions that reduce exposure.

In addition to reviewing the literature, the authors curated a set of practical recommendations for researchers, highlighting strategies for designing report-back materials that are clear, useful, and appropriate for different audiences. At the same time, the study underscores the importance of context. Without it, results can be confusing or cause unnecessary concern—emphasizing the need for thoughtful, well-designed communication strategies.

This work was recently published and selected as an Editor’s Choice in Environmental Health and contributes to ongoing efforts to develop consistent, evidence-based approaches for communicating environmental health data.

A blog post by the author:
https://communities.springernature.com/posts/no-standard-path-how-research-results-are-reported-back-and-why-it-matters

Read the publication:
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12940-026-01281-z

Learn more about the work of our Community Engagement Core:
https://superfund.oregonstate.edu/support-cores/community-engagement-core

Strategies to facilitate the report-back of research results: a systematic review of methods and evaluations - Environmental Health Reporting back of research results (RBRR) is becoming a recognized component of ethical community-engaged and human subjects research. Scholars emphasize t

Dr. Diana Rohlman, Community Engagement Core Leader for the OSU/PNNL Superfund Research Center, authored a trade article in FireRescue1 examining potential PFAS exposure from firefighter turnout gear during training activities. The article summarizes findings from recent research indicating that used turnout gear worn during training is not a significant source of PFAS exposure, helping to clarify an area of concern for firefighters and training programs. This work contributes to ongoing efforts to better understand exposure pathways and support evidence-based decision-making for firefighter health and safety.

Study: Used turnout gear during training not a source of PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ Amid growing concern about PFAS “forever chemicals,” a pilot study suggests turnout gear used during training may not be a major airborne exposure source

Dr. Robyn Tanguay, Director of the OSU Superfund Research Center, has been named an Editor-in-Chief of Environmental Health Advances, a newly launched scientific journal from the Academic Research Consortium (ARC) Alliance. The journal is a diamond open-access publication, meaning it is free for both authors and readers, with a focus on advancing accessible and equitable dissemination of environmental health research.

As Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Tanguay will help guide the journal’s scientific direction and editorial standards, supporting the publication of research on environmental exposures and their impacts on human health. The journal aims to provide a platform for interdisciplinary research and to increase accessibility of scientific findings to researchers, practitioners, and communities.

Environmental Health Advances launches as newest ARC Alliance diamond-open-access journal - UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health March 17, 2026 Dr. Rebecca Fry of the Gillings School is an editor in chief of the new Academic Research Community journal Environmental Health Advances. Submissions are open now.

🗣️ Meet Veronica Irvin: Community-Engaged Environmental Health Researcher
Veronica Irvin, an endowed professor in OSU’s College of Health and a member of OSU Environmental Health Sciences Center, was recently featured in OSU Today’s “10 Questions With…” interview series. She shares how her research supports safe drinking water for well users, reduces environmental exposures in underserved communities, and helps turn science into action.

Read the full interview:
🔗

10 Questions With… Veronica Irvin, endowed professor with the College of Health | OSU Today 10 Questions With… Veronica Irvin, Celia Strickland Austin and G. Kenneth Austin II endowed professor in public health. Irvin uses a community-engaged approach to develop, implement and evaluate behavior change programs across a list of health priorities, including breast cancer and environmental ...