Abstract: Culturally safe research processes, methodologies, and mutually aligned research
endeavors are a fundamental right of those being researched. Vulnerable populations are at risk of
experiencing inequalities in health experiences and health outcomes, and research beneficial to
those being researched is crucial to address disparities. Often vulnerable populations are exposed
to research that is driven by dominant epistemologies, research methodologies, and socio‐cultural
lenses that can exacerbate their vulnerability, negating their socio‐cultural reality. In this paper it is
contended that researchers should review the way in which research is constructed and developed
by creating a culturally safe space for research to occur with those who are vulnerable. A
framework based on partnership, participation, protection, and power is presented as a way of
creating culturally safe research.