Purpose The Jefferson Center for Injury Research and Prevention (JCIRP) is a full entity of the Department of Surgery’s Trauma Division and the College of Nursing at Thomas Jefferson University. The ability to have stakeholders at the table, with the sole mission of saving life and reducing disability, exemplifies the importance of strengthening research partnerships in a health care system. Our injury science experts devote themselves to conducting research, providing education, engaging social entrepreneurship and partnering with communities in the Delaware Valley and beyond. The aim of this Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis is to evaluate the effectiveness of an injury-based research partnership within an academic, medical and trauma center.

Methods/Approach The constant monitoring and a periodic review and reformation of health systems are of fundamental importance in all countries of the world, in order to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare services delivery, quality, equity, and sustainable financing (Han, 2012). To identify the SWOT of JCIRP a thorough analysis was completed by the center’s leadership and stakeholders. Through this analysis, facilitators and barriers were identified that helped cultivate the growth of our research center.

Results Analyzation of the SWOT analysis identified four prominent themes. The accessibility of multidisciplinary professionals with a common interest of injury research and prevention and continued opportunities to enhance research partnerships in various disciplines at Jefferson was a commonality. The demonstration of return of investment in injury prevention research and advocacy and the controversial nature of violence prevention research in an ICRC were identified barriers to the successful implementation of an ICRC.

Conclusion The benefits of interdisciplinary partnerships and the investment of enterprise support are integral for the success of an ICRC.

Significance and Contribution Strengthening research partnerships in an ICRC through various disciplines will afford us the opportunity to continue injury prevention research.