In an effort to ensure its research reflects community needs, the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center has started directly including community members in the review of cancer research funding proposals.

In Spring 2026, the Cancer Center launched a pilot initiative that integrated members of its Community Advisory Board (CAB) into the review process for pilot grant applications. Three CAB members were trained to serve as reviewers, offering a community-centered perspective alongside traditional scientific evaluations.

The reviewers participated in a one-hour virtual training session covering the goals of the pilot grant program, the importance of community input in research and instructions for using the grant review system. To help prepare participants, the training included examples of previously unsuccessful grant applications that were later funded, as well as excerpts from past reviewer feedback.

Each CAB member reviewed two grant proposals and was invited to take part in the grant review meeting. Following the process, all three reviewers reported that the training improved their understanding of cancer research, the pilot grant program and the role community members can play in shaping research priorities.

Participants also offered suggestions for strengthening the program. Recommendations included providing a video demonstration of a review meeting, creating a glossary of scientific terms and distributing community-friendly abstracts before review meetings to support more meaningful discussion.

All CAB reviewers expressed interest in participating again and agreed that the experience increased their understanding of cancer research.

Program leaders say the pilot demonstrates a practical and effective approach for incorporating community perspectives into early-stage cancer research funding decisions. Findings from the initiative will be used to refine future training efforts, strengthen partnerships between researchers and community members and support broader efforts to align cancer research priorities with community needs.

The project also highlights emerging strategies for preparing community partners to participate in research review processes and for integrating structured community feedback into funding decisions that may shape the future of cancer prevention, treatment and control.

This fall, CAB Co-Chair and Community Reviewer Colleen Murray will present a poster on this program at the Cancer Center Community Impact Forum Meeting in Seattle, WA. Additionally, Melinda Butsch Kovacic, PhD, MPH, will give an oral presentation on the program at the International Cancer Education Conference (ICEC) in Cleveland, OH.

To participate in the Community Pilot Grant Reviewer Program, please email the Office of Community Outreach & Engagement to complete the training.