Training the Next Generation of Researchers to Advance Cancer Health Equity: Five Years of Experience from the Florida-California Cancer Research, Education and Engagement (CaRE2) Health Equity Center.

Abstract

The underrepresentation of racial and ethnic minority scientists in research is a significant barrier to eliminating cancer health disparities. There is a compelling need to develop a cadre of racially and ethnically diverse, well-trained scientists to effectively meet the nation's biomedical, behavioral, population, and clinical cancer research needs. The Florida-California Cancer Research, Education and Engagement Health Equity Center's program focuses on training this underrepresented workforce. Our center is a tri-institutional collaboration between Florida A&M University, University of Florida, and University of Southern California. Here, we report the organizational structure and initial outcomes of our program to support 130 unique talented, underrepresented individuals in 138 cancer research training positions. Over the past 5 years, we offered the following: (1) a 12-week early and focused exposure of 35 undergraduate students; (2) training and support of 23 postbaccalaureate trainees in a 1-year mentored research and training program; and (3) academic career development, mentorship, and tailored research training opportunities to increase the competitive research capacity for 33 graduate students, 13 post-doctoral scholars, and 34 early-stage investigators. Educators, researchers, policymakers, and community leaders can use our training models to advance equity through excellence in education and research for underrepresented minority populations, ultimately fostering a more just and inclusive society.