Abstract A070: Engaging under-represented researchers (UR) in cancer research: Engagement strategies utilized for recruitment and retention in the Geographic Management of Cancer Health Disparities Program (GMaP) Region 4

Abstract

Abstract Purpose: The Geographic Management of Cancer Health Disparities Program (GMaP), initiated in 2009, is a national program funded by the National Cancer Institute's Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities (CRCHD). CRCHD is committed to funding training for those from backgrounds under-represented in cancer research via comprehensive research training programs, Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences (CURE). GMaP Region 4, housed at Fox Chase Cancer Center, works to engage diverse investigators in our geographically expansive thirteen-state region utilizing a multipronged engagement approach to increase recruitment and retention of diverse investigators, expand the CURE Pipeline, and cultivate professional development. Based on nine years of experience as well as recent results from surveys provided to recipients of travel scholarships and/or CURE funding (i.e., NCI Diversity F, K or R series grant), we will share recommended strategies to incorporate best practices to recruit investigators into a sustainable network. Methods: Two surveys were conducted. A survey with the goal to learn more about CURE program awareness at institutions was sent via our listserv with the request that any eligible (current or former CURE awardee) respond via an open link. A second survey with the goal of learning how our travel award scholarship program has benefited investigators was sent directly to our 37 previously funded travel award recipients. Questions were a mix of open ended and Likert scale. Citation Format: Linda Fleisher, Carrie Norbeck. Engaging under-represented researchers (UR) in cancer research: Engagement strategies utilized for recruitment and retention in the Geographic Management of Cancer Health Disparities Program (GMaP) Region 4 [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eleventh AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2018 Nov 2-5; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl):Abstract nr A070.