Scientific Research Advocates

Knight Scientific Research Advocates are a trained group of cancer survivors and caregivers who work with Knight Cancer Institute investigators to ensure that research at OHSU reflects the needs and interests of the cancer community. Advocates also support dissemination of research findings via community outreach and partnerships with community organizations.

What is a research advocate?

Research advocates are volunteers with a personal connection to cancer who are passionate about helping translate research findings into meaningful outcomes for patients and their families. The primary role of a research advocate is to represent the collective patient perspective, or the disease experiences of many patients, in the research process. Through this lens, advocates support researchers by providing feedback on grant applications, participating on advisory committees, writing letters of support, and other projects.

Previous accomplishments from the Knight Scientific Research Advocates include:

• Supporting grant applications to organizations such as Susan G. Komen, the Department of Defense, the V Foundation, and Stand Up to Cancer
• Reviewing proposals for the Knight Cancer Institute Community Partnership Program
• 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 breast cancer and melanoma patient symposia