291 Strengthening community–academic research partnerships through the Community Scientist Program: the “Kiosk Project” example

Objectives/Goals: To describe one method of strengthening community–academic research partnerships, the Community Scientist Program, and to provide an example of a successful collaboration this program enabled, the Kiosk Project. Methods/Study Population: In collaboration with its community and academic partners, NJ ACTS developed the Community Scientist program, a training and research partnership program that includes human research protections training and team building between community and academic partners for community-engaged research. This program has enabled rapid formation of subsequent research teams – and rapid project implementation. One example is the Kiosk Project. A community–academic team mobilized to take advantage of an internal pilot funding opportunity, designing and executing a project to address disparities in knowledge and participation in clinical trials. Results/Anticipated Results: Five community partners, including four Community Scientists, teamed up with academic researchers to user-test a short video to be placed in local medical settings. This video was designed to educate community members about clinical trials and encourage participation. Together, the team created recruitment and focus group materials. Within 2 months, community partners recruited 40 participants for two rounds for a total of four focus groups. The team reviewed the first focus groups’ comments to determine editing needs. Focus groups then viewed the revised video, concurring that the video successfully incorporated their feedback. Participants provided testimonials about their focus group experience, highlighting the value of their contributions for projects impacting their communities. Discussion/Significance of Impact: Methods for strengthening community–academic research partnerships include programs for developing community research champions and advancing shared research goals. Enriched research partnerships enable rapid recruitment and high levels of community engagement in advancing community health priorities.