Abstract B095: Evaluating the research experiences and outcomes of pre-pilot and pilot awardees of a U54 regional cancer partnership: Success, challenges, and solutions

Abstract Purpose: The Synergistic Partnership for Enhancing Equity in Cancer Health (SPEECH) is a regional, comprehensive cancer health disparity initiative jointly led by Temple University/Fox Chase Cancer Center and Hunter College (TUFCCC/HC). This partnership is supported by a U54 grant from the National Cancer Institute. In this study, we present the successes of the Pre-Pilot and Pilot Projects funded by the U54 Partnership Matched Fund. Additionally, we discuss the challenges encountered in the award process and propose solutions to enhance this process for current and future recipients. Background: One of the key components of SPEECH - the Synergistic Partnership for Enhancing Equity in Cancer Health - is to provide rigorous and robust multidisciplinary cancer disparities research education experiences and mentorship to graduate, post-doctoral, and junior faculty trainees in cancer and cancer health disparities research. So far, through the SPEECH U54 Partnership Matched Fund provided by the Partnership institutions, SPEECH has successfully funded a total of 63 studies, including 35 pre- pilot and 28 pilot projects. Methods: The Planning and Evaluation Core (PEC) team conducted virtual face-to-face interviews and surveys with open-ended questions with 8 awardees. We also connected video testimonials from the awardees. The main goal was to understand the awardees' experiences in applying for, implementing, and evaluating their projects funded under the U54 Partnership. Results: Preliminary results showed five areas of successes, including improved research skills, advanced career in cancer health disparities research, expanded professional network, foster a sense of belonging and scientific identity, and facilitating scientific collaboration and integration across disciplines and institutions. Specifically, awardees mentioned gaining experience with the grant writing process and transitioning to an independent investigator, encompassing tasks such as data collection and manuscript development, and research dissemination, which helped to expand their professional portfolio. Awardees also highlighted receiving mentorship that championed for career advancement and opportunities for professional awards. We also identified four main areas for improvement in the solicitation and implementation process of the awards. These include improving the comprehensibility of the application process, timelines, budget, and other outputs. We also identified the opportunity to augment the networking channels for mentors and collaborators of the SPEECH partnership. Conclusion: As we continue our interviews and surveys with additional awardees, we will analyze the qualitative data collected to identify how to improve the award mechanism for current and future cohorts. We plan to help facilitate the proper improvements and continue to re-evaluate the award process. Citation Format: Jade A. Truehart, Elisabeth Russell McKenzie, Cicely Johnson, Grace X Ma, SJ Dodd, Lin Zhu. Evaluating the research experiences and outcomes of pre-pilot and pilot awardees of a U54 regional cancer partnership: Success, challenges, and solutions [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B095.