Research Support

We offer personalized consultations to help faculty strengthen the community impact of their cancer research. Meet with COE representatives to receive expert guidance on adapting research methods and developing grant applications; assessing surveys and tools to evaluate social risk factors; and integrating qualitative components such as focus groups or interviews into clinical or basic science research. We assist in identifying community advisors and lived experience experts, building tailored advisory panels for your research projects, and creating context-specific materials for recruitment, outreach, or education. COE can also support you in partnering with community organizations or hosting community events. Whether you’re just starting out or seeking to enhance your collaborations, COE is here to help you build meaningful, effective community partnerships.

Are you a U-M faculty or staff expert with insights into cancer research, risk reduction, treatment, or survivorship? We invite you to join our COE speaker list—connecting your expertise to speaking and educational programs as well as other engagement opportunities (e.g., moderated virtual discussions, video content, community Q&As, lab tours) across Michigan.

How It Works: When you join, your area of expertise will be added to our internal registry. As we identify speaker needs that align with your topic, COE will reach out to you directly about potential opportunities. No firm commitment required. You’ll have the flexibility to choose which events or collaborations to participate in, helping foster knowledge-sharing and expand U-M’s impact in cancer care and research.

Interested in learning more about community-engaged science, participatory research methods, or COE services? We offer tailored trainings and presentations for groups, departments, or classes at U-M. Our sessions cover best practices for partnering with communities, designing inclusive research, applying participatory approaches, and accessing COE resources that support cancer research, risk reduction, and outreach. Submit a request and our team will work with you to develop a session that meets your needs, whether you're just starting out or looking to deepen your engagement strategies.

Are you preparing a grant application, research project, or program proposal related to cancer risk reduction, treatment, or survivorship? A letter of support from COE can strengthen your submission by demonstrating institutional commitment, access to established networks, and alignment with community priorities. We can also assist you in connecting with and obtaining support from relevant community partners. Our team offers guidance on drafting effective LOS documents, building relationships, and aligning your project goals with community interests. Submit your request, and COE will help facilitate the process to ensure your work is backed by meaningful partnerships. Please allow at least two weeks for us to complete your request. Please allow at least two weeks for us to complete your request, and longer for those that may include external partners.

Do you have recruitment materials to share with our community partners or an update you’d like featured in the COE newsletter? Faculty are invited to submit flyers, study announcements, news items, or profiles for consideration. If you'd like your research findings translated into accessible, community-friendly language, select the lay abstract option and our team will help make your work understandable for patients, partners, and the public. We also welcome faculty profiles, as they highlight the diverse expertise and work of our U-M cancer research community—helping community members, partners, and colleagues learn about ongoing projects and connect with faculty for potential collaboration. While we welcome your contributions and will review all submissions, please note that dissemination or newsletter inclusion is not guaranteed. All materials will be evaluated for relevance and suitability before distribution or publication.