APPLICATION DEADLINE: MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2025
Apply to become a research advocate to help shape neuro-oncology research to better reflect patient needs and improve outcomes. Most research advocates are not scientists and do not have a scientific background. Our program is intended to educate, engage, and empower you to serve as a research advocate – we will help you gain the skills you need!
Interested applicants should be committed to dedicating three years to the program (beginning January 2026 through December 2028) and be able to attend the initial 1.5-hour training sessions held every week for over four months. After training, advocates will participate in monthly one-hour calls to include Real-Time Research Review Sessions and various commitments based on specific service opportunities.
We select applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and interests to ensure our research advocates reflect the broad and varied perspectives of the brain and spinal cord tumor patient and caregiver community. There is limited availability and we anticipate the spots will fill up fast. Candidates will be notified if selected to move forward and final selections will be made by December 1, 2025.
The program’s primary focus is to accommodate based on the advocates unique needs and strengths. Any advocate can choose how involved they would like to be and can decide they can no longer be able to participate at any point.
All our research advocates need to have or be willing to develop the skills listed:
- Willingness to work with a variety of stakeholders (survivors and caregivers, researchers, clinicians, industry leaders, and other experts)
- Ability to receive and give constructive feedback and communicate effectively
- Willingness to learn from others and speak to the collective patient experience
- Desire to learn about science and research principles, with a focus on brain and spine tumor research
- Computer proficiency using programs such as Zoom, Microsoft Word, and PDF documents
- Ability to take initiative and seek opportunities
Most research advocates are not scientists. Our program can help you gain the skills you need!
Enter your information to show your interest in participating in the 2026 cohort and to receive further information about the full application. The deadline to apply is September 1, 2025.
