The research was conducted in association with several universities.

in 是介词，表示"在...之中"或"以某种方式"。 association 是名词，来自动词 associate（联系、关联），意思是"联系、关联、协会"。 with 是介词，表示"和...一起"或"伴随"。 in association with 是一个固定短语，意思是"与...合作"或"与...联合"。