GRASP (Guiding Researchers and Advocates to Scientific Partnerships)
Where lived experience meets science—making research more human, relevant, and impactful.
Collaboration is essential to tackling today’s public health challenges — because no single organization or sector can do it alone. Collaboration leads to healthier communities, which is why relationship building and partnerships are at the heart of everything we do at Trailhead. In this ongoing series, we spotlight the individuals, organizations, and collaboratives that make up Trailhead’s network of partners, sharing their impact in their own words.
Who does GRASP Serve?
GRASP (Guiding Researchers and Advocates to Scientific Partnerships) connects people living with cancer, caregivers, researchers, and clinicians. We create spaces where patients can learn about the science behind their care—and where researchers can learn directly from the people their work is meant to help. Our mission is to make the patient voice part of the scientific process, not an afterthought.
GRASP co-founders Christine Hodgdon and Julia Maues, who serve as Executive Director and Senior Advisor, respectively. Photo Credit: GRASP
GRASP facilitates discussions between scientists and patients, like this Poster Walkthrough conversation with a poster author. Photo Credit: GRASP
Where do you work?
GRASP began in the U.S. with in-person conversations at cancer conferences, then expanded to virtual programming—making it possible for people everywhere to participate. Today, we reach a global audience and collaborate with research teams around the world who are eager to work alongside patient advocates.
What’s important about this work for your community?
Too much cancer research is done without input from the people who live with its consequences every day. GRASP changes that by putting scientists and patients in direct conversation. These exchanges make research more understandable, uncover gaps that matter to patients, and push science in directions that better reflect real-world needs. For many patients, GRASP is the first time they’ve had a voice in research. For many researchers, it’s the first time they’ve had a meaningful conversation with someone living with the disease they study.
How can people support or get involved?
- Join the GRASP Network as a patient advocate, researcher, or clinician
- Share our work with others who believe patient perspectives matter
- Donate to help us grow and continue offering programs that connect people across the cancer research space
Members of GRASP gather at a conference. Photo Credit: GRASP
What has fiscal sponsorship with Trailhead made possible?
What has fiscal sponsorship with Trailhead made possible?
Working with Trailhead has allowed us to focus on what matters most: building community and reshaping research. With Trailhead’s support, we’ve scaled up, reached new audiences, and kept our attention on people—not paperwork. Their partnership makes our work possible.