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APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO APRIL 12!

Please submit your STARS PRA Program application by April 12 at 5 PM MDT.

The IASLC Supportive Training for Advocates on Research & Science (STARS) program aims to increase the number of Patient Research Advocates (PRAs) equipped to provide accurate scientific translation in their online or real-life lung cancer patient/caregiver groups and to provide the patient perspective for lung cancer research and policy. 

Patient advocacy is different from research advocacy, as shown in the chart HERE. STARS PRAs bring the patient voice to research-related efforts. STARS is not intended to help patients or caregivers learn how to become patient advocates or share their personal lung cancer story.

While some programs exist to train PRAs regardless of cancer type (for example, American Association for Cancer Research Scientist-Survivor Program, or Research Advocacy Network’s Advocacy Institute), STARS aims to train PRAs specifically for lung cancer (LC). We do this by educating active LC advocates about the science and research related to LC screening, diagnosis, and treatment; effective ways of communicating about LC science and research; and different types of research advocacy.

For the 2023 IASLC STARS program, we are seeking to support a group of up to 15 PRAs that will demonstrate the characteristics below:

  • Have demonstrated commitment and experience in lung cancer patient advocacy;
  • Have a baseline understanding of lung cancer with a passion to learn more;
  • Are eager to expand their research-related advocacy activities beyond sharing their own personal lung cancer story;
  • Are open and willing to learn about and advocate for all areas of lung cancer research; and
  • Have begun expanding communication skills into educating others about lung cancer science and research.

If this sounds like YOU, read on for more details and application instructions!

    What is expected of PRAs in the 2023 STARS program? 
    • Be at least two years beyond your or your loved one’s initial lung cancer diagnosis.
    • Speak fluent English. (All program activities and materials will be in English.)
    • Be a current member of the IASLC. (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.)
    • Participate regularly in scheduled STARS PRA activities during the program (June through October). Dates and times of activities are TBD and will be selected in consultation with PRAs and Mentors.
      • Complete designated online learning modules provided by Research Advocacy Network.
      • Participate in 1-2 virtual educational sessions each month with STARS PRAs and Mentors.
      • Attend two IASLC Webinars presented by Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs).
      • Participate in three STARS networking sessions.
      • Complete a written Final Report that discusses a lung cancer research topic at a level understandable to patients (this will be shared with PRAs and Mentors). See Final Report Guidelines for more information. 

    If I was selected as a PRA for the STARS Program in the past, can I apply again?

    If you have previously participated in STARS as a PRA or Mentor, you are not eligible to apply for the 2023 STARS PRA Program. Instead, you are automatically enrolled in the STARS Alumni program. We encourage STARS Alumni and others who are active in research advocacy to check out the new 2023 STARS Scholar Program, which includes travel to WCLC 2023 and participation in STARS activities while at the conference.  
    What are the application requirements?
    • Answer several short questions.
    • Provide links/URLs to any social media or blog sites that you use for public advocacy.
    • Provide an example of a communication you have written or created about lung cancer within the last year.
      • Provide the name and email address of an individual who will endorse your application by completing a brief survey. This person should be an established research advocate or researcher familiar with your advocacy activities. 
      How do I apply? 
      • CLICK HERE to login to the form via the IASLC Member Portal.
        • 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. 
      What is the 2023 STARS application timeline?
      • Application period: March 1 - April 12.  
      • Review period: April 12 - May 1
      • Applicants notified May 12. 
      Who should I contact if I have questions? Email advocacy@iaslc.org with any questions.