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Community Scientist Program
The Community Scientist Program is a cancer survivor-initiated project led by Breast Cancer Hawaii and the Cancer808 Collective in partnership with the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center.
About the Program
​What is a Community Scientist?
Community Scientists are general community members that will be trained in cancer research and clinical trials, striving to infuse the voice of their communities into cancer research. Whether it's being part of a research team, community outreach events, or attending cancer conferences, Community Scientists will infuse the voice of
their communities into cancer research, while raising awareness.
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Why is a Community Scientist Program needed?
A corps of trained local Community Scientists can...
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Help researchers design studies that are culturally sensitive and inclusive
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Enhance recruitment and retention in clinical trials
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Advocate for the health and well-being of the people of Hawai‘i paving the way for more research to be conducted locally.
How To Get Involved
​Community Scientist
Participation Requirements:
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Participants must be a resident of Hawaiʻi, at least 18 years of age, and one of the following:
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Cancer patient or survivor
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Family member or caregiver of a cancer patient or survivor
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Healthcare worker
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Community member interested in advocating for cancer patients and survivors
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Community member interested in learning about and supporting cancer research.
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Program Requirements:
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Participate in a Foundational Training workshop
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Check-in with a Quarterly Conversation Partner
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Actively participate in at least 1 Engagement Project for a minimum of one hour per month
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Commit to the program for 1 year
Quarterly stipends paid for all participants meeting requirements.
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Quarterly Conversation Partner​
​Each Community Scientist is paired with a researcher from the
UH Cancer Center to meet with quarterly for discussion involving ongoing research, hot topics in cancer research, etc. This pairing was established to provide Community Scientists with professional perspectives and guidance on their selected projects. Since many of the Community Scientists will come from backgrounds unrelated to cancer research, our hope is that this pairing will provide an opportunity for interaction and learning for both parties.​​​​​​
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does this program involve direct patient peer support?
Opportunities for direct patient peer support may be available depending on the researcher and project, though we cannot guarantee it.
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2. What is an Engagement Project?
An Engagement Project is a project led by a UH Cancer Center researcher that you will be tasked with supporting during your 1 year term in the program. The minimum time commitment to contribute to your project is 1 hour per month.
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3. What are examples of Engagement Projects?
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Workshop Support & Event Planning - C.A.R.E & ‘Ohana Pink: Support the planning of a C.A.R.E-Ê»Ohana Pink event that authentically represents the community and patients it serves.
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Project Management - TED Talk Videos to Support a Family and Informal Caregiver Cancer Care Navigation Training: Support the design intervention formats and topics for video taping. Review supportive care resources for inclusion in the intervention. Help design the script and talent for the videos.
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Community Outreach & Communications - Exploring Factors Influencing Preventive Cancer Screenings for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Adults in Hawaiʻi: Development and review of community-facing materials. Engage in community outreach promoting cancer screening/protective behaviors. Learn more about research and assist in qualitative data collection/analysis.
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Field Work & Data Collection - Sources of cyanotoxin exposure in Hawai’i: Collection of water and food products to be tested for cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins.
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Education & Communications - Cancer Educational Materials: Preparing and distributing cancer educational materials to local oncology clinics.
4. What other opportunities are available through this program?
The Community Scientist Program hosts Continuing Education Webinars multiple times a year, where we invite a researcher to present on a topic that interests participants and encourages continued learning of cancer research. We also provide Engagement Activities which are optional opportunities to be involved in cancer research-related initiatives. Because of our partnership with the UH Cancer Center, Community Scientists have the opportunity to attend various conferences and events.
5. Who runs the Community Scientist Program?
The Community Scientist Program is a cancer survivor-initiated project led by Breast Cancer Hawaii and the Cancer808 Collective in partnership with the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center. To learn more about the program or for further questions, please email the Program Manager at hello@cancer808.info.
Upcoming Training
​Foundational Training
Date: Fall 2026 (exact date TBD)
Time: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Where: Sullivan Conference Center, University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center (Kakaʻako)
Address: 701 Ilalo St, Honolulu, HI 96813
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Please note that registration is required to attend and participate in the program. Mahalo for your understanding!
Contact Information
For more information or questions, please contact us at hello@cancer808.info or call us at 808.215.0303.