Abstract P4-18-04: The advocates in science (AIS), a research advocacy program of Susan G. Komen®
Authors: Spears PA , Finestone S , Jernigan C , Johnson P , Johnson J , Durham K , Wright K , Sabelko KA 
Published: March 2017

Susan G. Komen® has a longstanding commitment to ensure that the unique and valuable perspectives of breast cancer patients, survivors, and co-survivors are integrated into the scientific dialogue and decisions impacting Komen's progress toward ending breast cancer. Komen established the Advocates in Science (AIS) Program to build a cadre of skilled, knowledgeable and broadly-networked breast cancer research advocates and engage patient advocates throughout the research process, where they provide a real-world understanding of what matters most to patients and a sense of urgency to find more-effective ways to prevent, diagnose, treat, and ultimately cure breast cancer.

The AIS Program, overseen by an AIS Steering Committee, takes a multi-pronged approach to research advocacy that includes the following components:

Involvement in Komen's Research Grant Strategy and Peer Review: Through the AIS Program, Komen matches advocates to Komen activities that best fit their training, experience and preference. A few of our most experienced breast cancer advocates serve on Komen advisory boards, providing strategic guidance and input on the research grant focus, and many others participate as advocate reviewers of our research grants.

Engagement of Advocates in Komen-funded Research Projects: Advocate involvement is required in most Komen-funded grants and strongly encouraged in all other Komen-funded research projects. Through the Program, Komen has created several tools – some aimed toward advocates and others targeted toward researchers – to facilitate effective advocate engagement in research projects.

Education & Training: Komen is committed to developing the next generation of breast cancer research advocates and strengthening the skills and knowledge of all AIS members. The AIS Program provides opportunities for advocates to learn more about breast cancer research and strengthen their research advocacy skills through a variety of educational sessions and rigorous training programs. These sessions/programs vary in format, from online tools, webinars, face-to-face meetings, and peer-to-peer mentoring.

Communication: The AIS Update keeps advocates up-to-date on recent scientific advances in breast cancer; Komen's research and its impact; and upcoming educational and participation opportunities for advocates both within Komen and nationally.

Engaging patient advocates is increasingly being recognized as a fundamental factor in developing, implementing, and overseeing research that more effectively meets patients' needs. With its rich and growing experience in research advocacy, Komen is one of the pioneers of “patient-centric” research programs. Through the AIS Program, Komen continues to build a cadre of knowledgeable and experienced research advocates who bring the patient voice to Komen's – and other organizations'—research programs, in all areas of breast cancer research from the bench to the bedside to the curbside and back.

AIS members are also active in their communities and serving as bridges between advocates, scientists and Komen Affiliates to enhance understanding and excitement about research; foster greater support for research and its funding; build stronger researcher&lt;-&gt;community connections; and energize hope for finding cures.

Citation Format: Spears PA, Finestone S, Jernigan C, Johnson P, Johnson J, Durham K, Wright K, Sabelko KA. The advocates in science (AIS), a research advocacy program of Susan G. Komen® [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-18-04.