The U.S. Department of Defense’s Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program (PRCRP) is looking for patient advocates to participate as consumer reviewers on upcoming research grant review panels. FCF has been asked to help identify potential reviewers from the FLC community to help in the liver cancer topic area.
This is a unique opportunity for patients and caregivers to get involved in the research review process. Consumer reviewers serve alongside scientists and physicians, bringing the perspective of people personally affected by cancer to discussions about the potential impact and relevance of proposed research.
The PRCRP is part of the Department of Defense’s Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP), which supports innovative, high-impact research across a range of diseases, including cancers.
Who can participate?
Consumer reviewers may be patients/survivors or caregivers/care partners. Ideal candidates are comfortable drawing on their lived experience and involvement in the patient community to consider how proposed research could ultimately benefit patients.
No scientific background is required. Many members of the FLC community have served as PRCRP consumer reviewers in previous years.
What is the commitment?
Selected reviewers should be prepared to:
- Devote approximately 40 hours to reviewing research applications between the end of October and early December
- Participate in two days of virtual panel meetings, either:
- December 8–9, 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. ET, or
- December 10–11, 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. ET
- Participate actively in panel discussions and help bring the patient perspective to the evaluation of research proposals.
All activities will be virtual.
How to apply
Interested patients or caregivers should contact FCF as soon as possible. Application materials must be submitted by October 5 and include:
- A completed GDIT E-Nomination Form (downloadable here)
- A current resume
- A letter of nomination from a cancer advocacy, support, or educational organization
FCF can help make the process easy. We will complete the nominating-organization portion of the application, prepare the required nomination letter, assemble the application packet, and submit it to the program on the applicant’s behalf.
If you are interested in serving as a reviewer, or would simply like to learn more before deciding, please contact Lynn O’Malley at lomalley@fibrofoundation.org or Kurt Losert at klosert@fibrofoundation.org.
Thank you for considering this opportunity to bring the FLC patient and caregiver voice directly into the cancer research review process.