Abstract C50: Geographic Management of Cancer Health Disparities Program (GMaP): A regional strategy for expanding the Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences (CURE) pipeline in cancer research nationwide

Abstract

Abstract Background/Rationale: 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 biomedical and behavioral sciences research. Based on the belief that a diverse workforce is essential for advancing cancer research and reducing cancer health disparities (CHD), CRCHD developed innovative and comprehensive research training programs. GMaP, consisting of seven regions across the nation, strives to support these programs and enhance capacity in areas of: • CHD research • Recruitment and professional development of under-represented investigators, trainees, and students • Communication and dissemination of NCI priorities, cancer/CHD trainings, and professional development opportunities • Strengthening region-based community education and engagement through partnerships with university cancer centers, minority-serving institutions and Community Health Education Programs We highlight strategies utilized across GMaP regions to increase recruitment and retention of diverse investigators; expand the Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences (CURE) Pipeline; cultivate professional development for students and early-stage investigators; promote innovative, cooperative research to reduce CHD; increase participation of minority populations under-represented in extant cancer research agendas; and encourage health equity for diverse U.S. cancer patient and survivor populations. Approach: Though each region operates independently, many strategies have been identified as best practices for raising awareness of CHD, the GMaP network, and the diversity training programs it supports, as well as NCI/CRCHD funding priorities. Utilizing a core administrative structure, Regional Coordinating Director(s) provide clear communication via websites, listservs, e-blasts, and other social media. GMaP regions offer several resources to students/investigators working in cancer or CHD research, including: • Pilot project and/or research completion awards—1-year grants between $5000 and $20,000 for early-stage investigators to develop data or complete pilot research for use towards larger grant submissions • Travel scholarships–to facilitate conference, workshop, or mentor meeting travel • Annual meetings/workshops—face to face experiences to improve grant-development skills, meet potential mentors, develop cross-institutional collaborations, and discuss research priorities and projects in the region • Expert grant review–grant application (e.g., K-awards) reviews by senior researchers to improve scientific merit of grant applications by junior investigators • Research Day events—opportunities to highlight junior investigators • Educational webinar series–on-line training on grant development and various CURE grant mechanisms • Undergraduate pipeline programs–to promote research experiences for underrepresented minority students interested in cancer research Results: We will share specific examples of these successful strategies utilized to engage more than 3,290 cancer/CHD researchers, faculty, and students across the U.S., including distribution of nearly 4,000 training, funding, and career opportunities. We will discuss outcomes such as successful receipt of CURE funding and increased numbers of diverse applicants in the cancer/cancer health disparities pipelines to demonstrate the effectiveness of such coordinated efforts. Conclusion: Utilizing a national network with regional programming is an efficient and effective way to increase recruitment and retention of diverse investigators in NCI research and community programs. This poster/presentation substantiates the need for continued efforts to recruit and support diverse cancer/CHD scholars from student levels to senior investigators. Citation Format: Carrie M. Norbeck, Miria Kano, Kimberly R. Williams. Geographic Management of Cancer Health Disparities Program (GMaP): A regional strategy for expanding the Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences (CURE) pipeline in cancer research nationwide [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Tenth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2017 Sep 25-28; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2018;27(7 Suppl):Abstract nr C50.