ABSTRACT
Purpose: The Geographic Management of Cancer Health Disparities Program is a national program funded by the National Cancer Institute's Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities (CRCHD). The seven GMaP regions use a multipronged engagement approach to increase recruitment/retention of diverse investigators and to strengthen professional development. This survey was designed to assess if and how the events of 2020 (COVID, racial or political unrest, others) impacted current research productivity, applications for future funding, and publication submission. Methods: A REDCap survey was sent out to each of the GMaP regional listservs in October 2020 and was completed by 150 researchers by early stage (71, 50.0%) and established investigators (36, 25.4%). Half (51%) identified as a non-white race, and 17.8% identifying as Hispanic or Latino. 22.7% of respondents were from Region 4. Responses were recorded via 6 point Likert scale (No Impact, Minimal, Neutral, Significant Impact, Work Stoppage, Expanded Scope) and allowed for qualitative responses. Summary of Results for Region 4: More than half stated the pandemic created “Significant or Work Stoppage” on their current research. Only 11.8% were able to submit intended publications on time. Only 21.2% still planned to submit applications for future funding on their intended timeline. Systemic racism/social unrest was identified as Significant Impact to 50%, along with 47.1% by local/national politics. Qualitative responses provided profound examples of the difficulties researchers have experienced in 2020. Respondents indicated that pilot awards (76.7%) and research support awards (40%) are the best methods to support their career development. Recommendations: The GMaP network with its regional approach is well placed to continue to support the career development needs of their researchers. GMaP opened their trainings to virtual national audiences, and adapted travel award programs to provide smaller Research Support awards (21 awarded) and larger Pilot Awards (4 awarded). GMaP shared the stories of their members with NCI, and advocated for support. These data further inform and enhance specific GMaP program offerings, and help us better advocate for our researchers at the institutional and national level.