What Is a Research Advocate?
Research advocates bring the lived experience of patients, caregivers, and communities into the research process. You might help:
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Review grants
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Improve clinical trial materials
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Serve on research study teams
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Connect underrepresented communities to research
You do not need a science background. You need curiosity, compassion, and a desire to improve the future of cancer care.
Start with the Free Course
If you are new to research advocacy, we recommend beginning with Research Advocacy Basics—our free, self-paced online course.
You will learn:
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What research advocates do
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How cancer research works
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How to get involved
No experience needed. Start anytime on our secure learning platform.
Explore Pathways Based on Your Interests
Once you complete the Basics course or if you are already active advocate, you can continue your learning through one or more of the following paths:
RAN can help you prepare for one or more of these roles through training, mentorship, and ongoing learning. Here are just a few examples:
Evaluate funding proposals and support fair review
Join a team focused on translational cancer research
Help improve consent forms, recruitment, and trial design
Share lived experience with researchers and organizations
Looking to Go Further?
Already active as a research advocate? RAN offers advanced learning paths through the Advocate Institute, including:
Voices of Advocacy
“RAN’s trainings are consistently high-quality, relevant, and reliable—no matter your experience level. The skills I gained have strengthened my voice on research teams, grant reviews, and clinical trials. I always recommend RAN to new and seasoned advocates alike.”
