Promoting health equity through community-engaged research training.
Official title: UK ASCEND (Achieving Success in Community-Engaged research to elimiNate Disparities)
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-11138426 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about helping new researchers from different backgrounds learn how to work with communities to tackle health issues that affect everyone, so they can create meaningful projects and get funding for their important work.
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) | $373,137 |
| NIH project number | 5P50MD019476-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11138426 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include early-stage investigators from diverse backgrounds interested in health equity and community engagement.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not involved in research or do not have a vested interest in community health initiatives may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on advancing health equity by training early-stage investigators (ESIs) from diverse backgrounds in community-engaged research (CER). The ASCEND Scholar Program offers a comprehensive training program that includes mentorship, networking, and professional development, followed by opportunities to conduct pilot projects that address health disparities. Participants will engage with community stakeholders to ensure their research is relevant and impactful. The program aims to equip ESIs with the skills necessary to secure competitive NIH funding for future research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes and reduced disparities in underserved communities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in community-engaged research approaches, indicating a strong potential for this program to make a meaningful impact.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pearson, Kevin Joseph — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Pearson, Kevin Joseph
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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.