Community-engaged research support | Masonic Cancer Center

COE helps Masonic Cancer Center researchers build meaningful relationships with communities across Minnesota and incorporate community perspectives into cancer research.

We can provide guidance, connections, and community context to help researchers engage communities early and develop research that is responsive to community priorities.

How we can support you

View our community partners

Work with Community Advocates

The Community Advocates Program provides structured opportunities for researchers to receive community-informed feedback on areas such as study materials, communications, and research approaches.

Learn about the Community Advocates Program

What COE research support does not provide

Our approach prioritizes early engagement and mutually beneficial relationships. Building trust takes time, and involving community partners early creates more meaningful opportunities to shape research questions, priorities, and approaches.

To support respectful, sustainable community partnerships, COE does not provide:

Direct recruitment of research participants
Distribution of study materials without prior relationship-building and alignment
One-time or transactional access to community organizations or networks

Request research support

Tell us about your project, timeline, community focus, and the type of support you're looking for. COE will review your request and determine how we may be able to help.

Request research support

What to expect

After you submit a request:

COE will review your request and respond within 5–7 business days.
Requests involving connections with community partners require at least four weeks' notice.
We may schedule a consultation to learn more about your project and needs.
Available support will depend on project scope, timeline, capacity, and alignment with MCC catchment priorities.

For questions about research support or a community-engaged research consultation, please contact: [email protected].