The Partnership funds pilot, full, and seed research projects for UMass Boston and DF/HCC researchers to collaborate on innovative cancer and cancer disparities research that spans the full spectrum of the sciences. Investigators are invited to participate in a variety of events, including regular scientific talks.

Partnership offerings for investigators

Funding opportunitiesMonthly Scientific MeetingsResearch Design and Analysis Core (RDAC) seminar seriesAnnual Cancer SymposiumCoresPlanet MassCONECTPartnership newsletter

Funding opportunities

Partnership funding

The UMass Boston – DF/HCC Partnership holds a periodic Request for Applications (RFA) to identify cancer/cancer disparities research projects to fund. Proposed projects must be a collaboration between UMass Boston and DF/HCC investigators and focus on an aspect of cancer or cancer disparities. Investigators must hold faculty positions at their respective institutions.

Non-Partnership funding

In addition to holding a periodic RFA, the Partnership emphasizes the importance of applying for external grants to provide sustainability for cancer and cancer disparities research at UMass Boston and DF/HCC. We curate upcoming funding opportunities and share with the Partnership community in our monthly email newsletter. To join our newsletter list, send a request to U54Partnership@umb.edu.

Monthly Scientific Meetings

Our Monthly Scientific Meetings (MSMs) provide a platform for project investigators and interested faculty to present their research to a wider audience. MSMs are open to all interested in expanding their scientific knowledge and engaging in transdisciplinary discussion.

Research Design and Analysis Core (RDAC) seminar series

Led by expert faculty, our seminar series is intended to educate students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty in social and behavioral research methods, as well as statistical methods.

Annual Cancer Symposium

The Annual Cancer Symposium, hosted at UMass Boston or DF/HCC, provides attendees insight into cutting-edge research in cancer, cancer disparities, health disparities, and community-based interventions. All are welcome to participate in the event, whereby a renowned scientist will offer a keynote address, followed by an interactive Q+A.

Cores

Each Partnership Core is intended to provide project investigators with additional support to ensure well-rounded and sound scientific research projects that align with our mission of “bridging the divides.”

Planet MassCONECT

PLANET MassCONECT is a free, regularly updated, online resource that supports evidence-based program planning in community- and faith-based organizations. Its Resource Finder tool supports targeted searches of the wide range of databases and resources available through the portal. Cancer is an important focus, but other health topics of concern to partner communities, such as mental health, are also addressed. For Boston and Massachusetts users, the portal also includes useful information on local funding opportunities, research, and events.

Partnership newsletter

Our monthly newsletter includes Partnership-specific events and deadlines, funding opportunities for investigators and interested faculty, and our Student Spotlight.