Improving health equity through community engagement in research.
Official title: UK ASCEND (Achieving Success in Community-Engaged research to elimiNate Disparities)
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-11138421 · Data updated 2026-11-12
The UK ASCEND initiative is a friendly program that helps new researchers from different backgrounds work together with their communities to tackle health issues in rural and low-income areas, especially in Appalachia, so everyone can have a fair chance at better health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | July 13, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $540,550 |
| NIH project number | 5P50MD019476-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11138421 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals from rural Appalachian communities, particularly those who are Black, Hispanic, or socioeconomically disadvantaged.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not belong to the targeted underserved populations in Appalachia may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
The UK ASCEND initiative aims to enhance health equity by fostering community-engaged research among early-stage investigators from diverse backgrounds. This program includes a comprehensive training component followed by pilot projects that actively involve community stakeholders. By addressing significant health disparities in rural and socioeconomically disadvantaged populations, particularly in Appalachia, the initiative seeks to create impactful research that resonates with community needs. Participants will engage in collaborative efforts to develop and implement research strategies that promote better health outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes and reduced disparities for underserved populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous community-engaged research initiatives have shown promise in addressing health disparities, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schoenberg, Nancy E. — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Schoenberg, Nancy E.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.