Developmental Core

The Developmental Core will be a source of pilot funding for important developmental research projects with the goals of: 1) exploring innovative interdisciplinary research ideas, leveraging the Center’s expertise in behavior change, exercise science, nutrition, implementation science, health communication, and geospatial analytics, that focus on exploring risk factors for obesity related cancers; and 2) encouraging successful researchers working in other fields to focus their expertise toward the development of successful cancer prevention and control interventions. We envision the Core as an opportunity not only to reinforce the Center, but also to ensure that it is agile and responsive to the latest developments in the field. The key function of the Core will be to identify and maintain a pipeline of pilot projects that may grow into full projects to accelerate a generation of knowledge on effective interventions for reducing risk and suffering from cancer. The Developmental Core will encourage pilot projects that incorporate consideration of the unique context of this community and leverage the Center’s interdisciplinary expertise. Collaborating with community partners through Be Well™ Acres Homes to implement evidence-based cancer prevention interventions enables researchers to test novel interventions, or evaluate hypotheses related to the effects of contextual variables on cancer prevention, in the context of these neighborhood-level programs and resources. The existing Be Well Acres Homes community action plan will provide unique opportunities for pilot projects not only within the Center but also across other NCI supported U54 Specialized Centers (RFA-CA-22-015). Active engagement with the Engagement Core and Be Well Acres Homes Community Advisors ensures that research questions are grounded in the needs and priorities of the community by working collaboratively with community members in every step of research, from forming research questions and priorities and soliciting proposals, to review and make funding decisions. This meaningful engagement will serve as a powerful vehicle for bringing about environmental and behavioral changes that will improve the health of the community and its members.