Research advocates

Research advocates help funding agencies and scientists understand and prioritize the questions that are important to the ovarian cancer community. Having the input of survivors ensures that research is patient-focused and truly meets the needs of our community. Research advocates also report back to the community, sharing what they have learned, so that everyone can benefit from scientific progress.

Who are research advocates?

Research advocates are survivors of ovarian cancer just like you. While some of them have a background in science, most do not! They learn “on the job” and by working with more experienced advocates.  Research advocates who represent OCRA serve by invitation only.

Where do research advocates serve?

Research advocates typically serve as grant reviewers within the federal agencies that fund ovarian cancer research. These include:

• The Ovarian Cancer Research Program (OCRP) at the Department of Defense
• The National Cancer Institute
• The Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute
• The Food and Drug Administration

Advocates also serve in various capacities outside the federal government, including:

• The NRG Oncology Cooperative Group, a nonprofit committed to promoting high quality clinical trials.
• Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) at academic medical centers conducing ovarian cancer research

Help advance ovarian cancer research

From time to time, Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance partners with other organizations on research projects that will advance our understanding of this disease. Click on the links below to learn about each research initiative.

Massachusetts General Hospital is conducting a study of long term survivors of ovarian cancer. If you were diagnosed with stage III or stage IV ovarian cancer eight or more years ago. Learn more about the study. This project is funded by the Department of Defense.

Have you or your family members been affected by breast, ovarian, prostate, melanoma, pancreatic or other related cancers that are or may be due to an inherited reason? The ABOUT Network is the first national effort to invite people from across the United States to share their experience with hereditary breast, ovarian, prostate, melanoma, pancreatic and related cancers. Continue reading more information.