How do Knight Alliance members support cancer research?

The Alliance brings together advocates and community members to ensure cancer research is patient-centered, equitable, and impactful. Drawing on lived experience and community knowledge, Alliance members partner with Knight Cancer researchers and leadership to inform study design, research priorities, and decision-making. By representing diverse communities across Oregon, the Knight Alliance builds trust, strengthens communication, and helps align research with the needs of those most affected by cancer.

Previous accomplishments from the Knight Scientific Research Advocates include:

• Providing the community perspective to respond to the research question
• Broad depth of the community based and lived patient experience cancer journey
• Supporting grant applications to organizations such as Susan G. Komen, the Department of Defense, the V Foundation, and Stand Up to Cancer
• Participating in early brainstorming meetings for clinical trials
• Presenting at graduate student seminars and community events on behalf of the program
• Serving on planning committees for various cancers and patient symposiums

Get involved in cancer research advocacy

To become a Knight Alliance for Patient-Centered Discovery member, prospective volunteers contact the program at theknightalliance@ohsu.edu to express interest and share their background to begin the onboarding process. Alliance can receive training on research funding and grant writing; attend seminars that provide an overview on various topics including cancer biology, clinical trials, and cancer prevention and control; and are paired with an experienced Alliance mentor. Alliance members may also have opportunities to participate in local and national scientific meetings on behalf of OHSU.

Eligibility criteria

Knight Alliance for Patient-Centered Discovery members represent a variety of communities from across the state, disease areas, and come from a variety of different professional backgrounds. Periodically, we recruit new volunteers to join our program.

To become a Knight Alliance member, individuals must:

• Represent a specific or historically marginalized community AND/OR
• Have personal experience with cancer (as a patient, caregiver, or as an individual at high risk).
• Be able to share the collective patient perspective with Knight Cancer Institute researchers and clinicians.
• Be willing to volunteer at least 10 hours a year to the program, including participating in group meetings (virtually or in person), email discussions, and being available to consult on projects on an ad hoc basis.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including proficiency with email and Microsoft Office.

Ideal qualifications:

• Demonstrated track record of involvement in community outreach or research advocacy activities.
• Leadership or volunteer experience with relevant patient advocacy organizations.
• Committment to improving the cancer journey for Oregonians. 

Advocacy for cancer researchers

Knight Alliance members are available to work with Knight Cancer Institute faculty, staff, and students on research grant applications, developing lay abstracts, clinical trial design, and dissemination of research findings. 

To get started, send a short description of your project to theknightalliance@ohsu.edu. Please allow at least four weeks' notice to be matched with an Alliance member.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I work with the Alliance?
Funders like Susan G. Komen and the Department of Defense are increasingly requiring advocate or "consumer" involvement in the design and dissemination of research. In addition to fulfilling requirements from funders, Knight Alliance members can bring fresh perspectives to challenging problems, can help you communicate to lay audiences, and most importantly, serve as a reminder for the of the long-term impact of your research findings.

How is the Alliance qualified to help?
Alliance members bring a variety of skills and life experiences to their roles. Even outside of the Knight Alliance program, they have reviewed grant proposals, participated in OHSU Knight Cancer Institute clinical trials, and have acted as advocates for other cancer-related groups. In addition, many advocates have prior education and experience working with medical organizations that complement the training and skills they received at OHSU.

How can I help get the most out of my experience working with the Alliance?
Engaging the Knight Alliance program early as possible in the project planning process benefits both Alliance members and researchers. Begin with an introductory meeting to get to know one another and review the scope of the project. Researchers should explain their projects to the Alliance member, actively solicit input, and work to build a rapport throughout the process. Don't be afraid to get into the details of your science! Just remember: Alliance members are volunteers, not paid staff, so they may be unable to respond to requests as quickly as your research colleagues. If you're using a Knight Alliance member for the first time, the Knight Alliance for Patient-Centered Discovery is available to meet with you to strategize how to best engage with an advocate on your project. Email theknightalliance@ohsu.edu to set up an appointment. 

Do you have boilerplate language about the Knight Alliance for Patient-Centered Discovery program I can use in my grant application?
Yes. Email theknightalliance@ohsu.edu to set up an appointment for assistance.