COE Programs

The Community Research Fellowship (CRF) program aims to eliminate barriers to patient engagement in research at Yale by developing a network of community stakeholders in Connecticut equipped to partner with Yale investigators. Since 2021, this program has expanded to focus on cancer research through a partnership with the Yale Cancer Center (YCC) Community Outreach and Engagement team and Community Alliance for Research and Engagement. The fellowship builds Connecticut residents’ knowledge, skills, and confidence to serve as equitable research partners, helping to address persistent health disparities in local communities. In other words, CRFs (“citizen scientists”) bring lived experience and community perspectives to strengthen Yale’s research projects, especially in underserved areas.

The fellowship is for about nine months, usually January through September. Each cohort, of up to 12 Connecticut residents, are recruited and selected by the Community Alliance for Research Engagement (CARE). CARE operates the fellowship with YCC, reflecting the shared commitment to not only educate researchers about community needs but also inspiring residents with science. Fellows learn about health research at all levels (from basic science to clinical trials) and help translate science into action. At the same time, researchers deepen their understanding of social determinants and trust in community engagement.

A defining feature of the CRF program is its experiential learning component. Fellows are matched with Yale Cancer Center research teams, referred to as Host Sites. Through these placements, fellows contribute community perspectives to ongoing research projects while gaining hands-on exposure to the research process. At the same time, host site teams strengthen their capacity to conduct research that is responsive, inclusive, and grounded in community priorities.

The YCC Community Leadership Award supports Connecticut-based organizations working to strengthen cancer prevention, screening, education, and related community needs.

The award provides up to $10,000 for one or two years to help local partners increase cancer awareness, reduce disparities across the cancer care continuum, and improve access to prevention and treatment resources.

Eligible applicants include community-based organizations, service providers, faith-based groups, and others dedicated to improving the health of Connecticut communities. Projects addressing high-priority cancers—such as breast, lung, prostate, and hepatocellular cancer—as well as early-onset cancers, brain metastases, tobacco use, and obesity/energy balance will be given priority, though all cancer-related proposals are welcome.

This grant opportunity aims to support meaningful, locally driven cancer initiatives across the state.

The COE Liaison Program strengthens connections between YCC’s six Research Programs and Clinical Research Teams and the communities they serve.

Liaisons help catalyze catchment-focused research, expand opportunities in health equity, and guide teams in using community-informed data and feedback.

They support members in sharing findings with community audiences, develop annual action plans to advance engagement goals, and participate in the Council of COE Liaisons to exchange strategies and best practices.