One of the key needs of our health care system is to develop and implement novel and effective ways to improve the health of our communities. Achieving this goal requires research that meaningfully incorporates the lived experiences and expertise of the community. Yet, despite growing recognition of the value of community-informed research, communities are rarely invited to serve as true collaborators in the research process. This disconnect has led to persistent concerns, particularly around the use and ownership of biological samples, and a broader concern about whether research will truly yield tangible benefits for the individuals and communities who participate.
With this 2nd annual pilot opportunity, the Maya Angelou Research Center for Healthy Communities and the Center for Precision Medicine are collaborating to catalyze research activities involving collecting data and bio-samples that are community-informed. These projects will expand efforts to engage community expertise in the creation of multi-omics tools and resources to understand differences and pathways that inform health for all.
Potential examples may include:
- Capacity-building for future community-partnered precision medicine research
- Community interpretation and feedback on sample collection data or protocols
- Methods of building community trust for the purpose of sample collection and/or precision medicine research, and demonstrating feasibility of sample collection and analysis
- Community health worker training for representative sample collection methods
- Development of culturally respectful data collection and community governance procedures for precision medicine research
- Pilot grant applications should include joint efforts that involve investigators in MARCH and the Center for Precision Medicine, as well as community organizations and partners. Priority in funding will be given to junior faculty teams establishing new projects that have the potential to secure long-term extramural funding in the future.
Application deadline is November 3, 2025. The anticipated start date is December 15, 2025. The program offers up to $20,000 in total funding over 12 months, with salary and fringe benefits capped at $10,000 per year.
Application Materials:
- Abstract (10 lines)
- Specific aims and research plan (3 pages max), including statements on how the project 1) incorporates community expertise, 2) will establish a long-term research initiative, and 3) will disseminate pilot study findings to the community
- References (no limit, brevity encouraged)\
- Statement of future research and funding (1 page max)
- Budget and budget justification
- NIH biosketches of PI and Co-Investigators, CV of community partners, as applicable.
For inquiries or to indicate interest, please contact the Maya Angelou Research Center for Healthy Communities via Sha’Niqua Lewis at Shaniqua.Lewis@AdvocateHealth.org. The Center remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering a research environment characterized by support, resilience and innovation. Through the provision of these pilot awards, we aim to empower investigators as they pursue excellence in the field of healthy communities research.