JOIN IASLC'S 2023 STARS PRA PROGRAM
The IASLC 2023 STARS Program is open for applications! 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 groups for patients with lung cancer and their caregivers and to provide the patient perspective for lung cancer research and policy. Up to 15 Patient Research Advocates will be selected via a competitive application with the goal of global representation. Any patient with lung cancer or caregiver interested in research advocacy (including PRAs who participated in one previous STARS program) is eligible to apply.
- Program Elements:
- Interaction with STARS Mentors
- Participate in virtual educational and networking activities from June through October 2023.
- 2 IASLC webinars (open to STARS participants only) with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) as speakers
- 3 networking sessions with STARS participants only
- Research Advocate Network online learning modules
- A final report
2023 STARS Scholars
The 2023 STARS Scholars Program is a new opportunity for patient research advocates who want to attend WCLC 2023 in person and have demonstrated active participation in patient research advocacy. We are seeking experienced patient research advocates to apply for the competitive program, which will include registration, travel, and in-person activities at WCLC 2023 in Singapore, mentoring opportunities, and a final project to be completed by STARS Scholars following WCLC 2023 attendance.
Scholars are selected via a competitive application with the goal of global representation. Examples of experience include speaking/high level of interaction at lung cancer conferences, evidence of research advocacy accomplishments, engagement in IASLC patient advocacy activities, engagement in other advocacy organizations, etc.
*ANY lung cancer patient, caregiver, or advocate who demonstrates active participation in research advocacy is eligible to apply, regardless of whether they have previously participated in STARS.*
STARS (Supportive Training for Advocates on Research and Science)
Lung cancer treatment and research has been evolving rapidly in the past ten years. As a result, lung cancer now has a growing group of patients who have lived long enough to become advocates for their disease. Patient advocates are dedicated to supporting patients and their loved ones, improving lung cancer education and awareness, and generating funds for advocacy and awarding grants.
STARS Alumni
There is another type of cancer advocacy called “research advocacy.” Research advocates are volunteers with a personal connection to cancer who are passionate about helping research translate into meaningful outcomes for patients and their families. Lung cancer research advocates provide the perspective of the lung cancer patient community to help researchers focus on the questions most important to patients and create studies that will extend lives and improve the quality of life for people who have lung cancer.
The IASLC is a scientific membership organization that recognizes the importance of patient research advocates within the research ecosystem. 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 groups for patients with lung cancer and their caregivers, and to provide the patient perspective for lung cancer research and policy. STARS is not intended to help patients or caregivers learn how to become patient advocates or share their personal lung cancer story.
Heartfelt Thanks for Our Partners
STARS was developed by the IASLC in collaboration with lung cancer research advocates and patient advocacy nonprofits. We proudly recognize the following contributing organizations:
