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Applications for the 2025 STARS PRA program will open Monday, February 3, 2025 and close Friday, March 14, 2025 at 12:00pm (noon) MDT.  

Apply for the STARS PRA (Patient Research Advocate) Program

The IASLC STARS (Supportive Training for Advocates on Research and Science) Program began in 2019 as a collaboration between lung cancer patient research advocates and representatives from lung cancer advocacy organizations. STARS aims to train, develop, and nurture lung cancer patient research advocates (PRAs) for the lung cancer community. 

We invite people who have or had lung cancer and their family members to apply for the 2025 STARS PRA Program! Click here for a comprehensive overview of the STARS PRA Program. This is an all virtual program, taking place over Zoom.

Before applying, please continue reading to find information on the application process and explore our Frequently Asked Questions. 

How do I apply?
  • You must be an IASLC member. (If you are not yet a member, CLICK HERE for information on how to join. IASLC Membership is complimentary for patients and their family members and caregivers.)
  • Select this link to login to the form via the IASLC Member Portal (opens in new window). 
    • If you do not know your Member Portal credentials, click on the "Forgot Your Password" link to reset your credentials. Email membership@iaslc.org if you have any difficulties logging in to the portal. 
  • Once you have successfully logged into the Member Portal, you will be automatically directed to the application form.
  • You do not have to complete the application all at once; you can save your progress and return to the form to complete it at any time prior to the application deadline. Applications that are incomplete as of noon MDT on March 14, 2025 will not be considered.
  • We recommend reviewing and completing the 'Application Endorsement' section first. Enter the name and email address of an individual who will provide an endorsement for your application. Be sure your chosen endorser has sufficient first-hand knowledge of your advocacy activities to provide answers to the questions they will be asked. A completed endorsement must be received before we can consider your application. 
  • Answer several short questions about your advocacy activities, interest in science and research, and why you want to participate in STARS.
  • Provide an example of a communication you have written or created about lung cancer within the last year.
    • If the program team needs more information about your application, you may be requested to attend a Zoom candidate interview sometime between March 17 and April 4. 
    What is the 2025 STARS PRA application timeline?
    • Application period: February 3 to noon MDT on March 14. 
    • Applications will be reviewed March 17 through April 4.
    • Applicants will be notified of decisions by May 2. 
    Who should I contact if I have questions?

    Should you have any further questions, after reading through the FAQs, or require additional assistance, please don't hesitate to email us at STARSadmin@iaslc-stars.org. We're here to help!

     

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is STARS?

    • Explore the magic of the IASLC STARS Programs here! 

    Who is a good candidate for the 2025 STARS PRA Program?

    • STARS PRA applicants should have demonstrated experience in lung cancer patient advocacy and be seeking to share their patient voice in research advocacy. Dive into the “Who Can Apply to the PRA Program” section on this page. 

    What exactly is research advocacy? 

    • We have a dedicated page just for this! Check it out here. 

    How many PRAs can join the 2025 STARS PRA Program?

    • We will accept up to 20 PRAs from across the globe to join the 2025 STARS PRA Program. 

    What is expected of participants in the 2025 STARS PRA Program?

    • Learn more on the “What Does the PRA Program Include” section on this page. This is a virtual program that takes place online and on Zoom. Applicants must have reliable Internet access that supports cloud-based video conferencing. 
    • We schedule virtual meetings to accommodate all time zones in which participants live. To do this, we usually schedule two meeting times for each virtual event.  

    Can I apply to the STARS PRA program again if I’ve participated in it before?

    • Yes. Some people have found they benefit from experiencing the program again, especially if they live in a region with few patient advocacy opportunities or resources for lung cancer.
    • Note that anyone who has successfully completed a STARS program is automatically enrolled in the STARS Alumni program, which offers ongoing virtual education and networking opportunities with other STARS alumni, mentors, and key opinion leaders.

    Who will be asked to participate in an interview? 

    • You will be asked to schedule an interview only if the program team needs more information about your application.

    Do you have any other opportunities for patient advocates? 

    • Patient advocates who seek in-person interactions, are relatively new to patient advocacy, and working on a project in the lung cancer community might consider applying for the IASLC Patient Advocate Educational Award.  This award provides travel to attend World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) or selected other IASLC meetings. You may apply for both the Educational Award and STARS PRA program in the same year.
    • Patient advocates who have demonstrated experience in lung cancer research advocacy might consider applying for the STARS Scholar Program that takes place in person at the World Conference on Lung Cancer.