News Summary
A new initiative, Partnerships for Indigenous-led ELSI Research (PIER), spearheaded by Southcentral Foundation, aims to address health disparities in AI/AN communities through Indigenous-led genomic research. Funded by the NIH, this project will enhance community-driven research, engage Indigenous experts, and foster collaboration with health systems in Alaska and Oklahoma. The initiative includes a Community Scholars program to support researchers and is expected to run through 2027, marking a significant step in promoting ethical and culturally competent research practices.
Oklahoma City, OK – A groundbreaking initiative in genomics research has emerged from a transdisciplinary collaboration led by Southcentral Foundation, a Tribal healthcare organization based in Anchorage, Alaska. This project, which has been awarded a competitive grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), marks a significant step forward in addressing health disparities faced by American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities nationwide. The initiative represents a concerted effort to foster Indigenous-led genomic research, reflecting the commitment of institutions like the University of Oklahoma to support community-driven scientific inquiries.
The research initiative, known as Partnerships for Indigenous-led ELSI Research (PIER), is funded under the Building Partnerships and Broadening Perspectives to Advance Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI) Research Program. With a leadership team composed entirely of Indigenous experts, the initiative is poised to enhance the way genomic research is conducted, ensuring that it aligns with the values and priorities of AI/AN communities. This collaboration sees Jessica Blanchard, Ph.D., from the University of Oklahoma’s Center for Applied Social Research, playing a pivotal role as a key collaborator.
Focused on Community-Centric Research
The PIER initiative is designed to conduct genomic research that is closely defined and guided by AI/AN communities themselves. This approach is crucial in addressing the unique health disparities that exist within these populations. By prioritizing community engagement and collaboration with AI/AN-serving health systems in both Alaska and Oklahoma, the initiative aims to promote research that is not only responsive to community needs but also empowers Indigenous voices in the scientific process.
Key Leadership and Collaborators
The leadership of the project is characterized by an Indigenous team, with Vanessa Hiratsuka, Ph.D. (Diné/Wintu) and Julie Beans, MPH (Yup’ik/Oneida) at the forefront. Their expertise, combined with collaborations from academia, including contributions from the University of Washington and the Laureate Institute for Brain Research, provides a robust framework for the initiative. The commitment to engaging with community priorities reflects a shift towards more ethical research practices, where Tribes have a leading role in determining research directions.
The Role of the Community Scholars Program
One of the exciting components of the PIER initiative is the establishment of a Community Scholars program. This program is geared towards supporting researchers at various career stages who are interested in Tribal health research. Through this initiative, selected scholars will have the opportunity to engage directly in PIER’s activities, further fostering research capacity within the community.
Funding and Duration of the Project
The NIH grant that supports the PIER initiative is provided by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities and is part of a project timeline that began in September 2025 and will conclude in June 2027. This long-term commitment by the NIH underscores the importance of addressing health disparities faced by the AI/AN populations and emphasizes the need for sustainable research partnerships.
Addressing Health Disparities
At its core, the PIER initiative seeks to address longstanding health disparities within AI/AN communities through Indigenous-led genomic research. The research conducted will not only focus on improving health outcomes but will also pave the way for a better understanding of how genomic science can be ethically integrated within these communities. As such, PIER is set to play a vital role in shaping the future of health research that is culturally competent and responsive to the needs of AI/AN people.
Conclusion: A Forward-Looking Initiative
The Partnerships for Indigenous-led ELSI Research initiative stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of research in the United States. By prioritizing Indigenous leadership and fostering community-driven research approaches, this initiative represents a significant step forward in addressing health disparities among American Indian and Alaska Native communities. The future looks promising as more researchers engage with the community-centric models proposed by PIER, underscoring the value of academic collaboration in creating lasting impacts.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Leadership | Guided by an all-Indigenous leadership team from Southcentral Foundation. |
| Collaboration | Involves key collaborators from the University of Oklahoma, University of Washington, and Laureate Institute for Brain Research. |
| Community Scholars Program | Supports researchers of all career levels interested in Tribal health research, with applications opening in February. |
| Funding and Duration | Funded by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, with a project duration from September 2025 to June 2027. |
| Focus | Aims to address AI/AN health disparities through Indigenous-driven genomic research approaches. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the PIER initiative?
The Partnerships for Indigenous-led ELSI Research (PIER) is a newly funded initiative under the NIH’s BBAER Program, guided by an all-Indigenous leadership team, aiming to promote Indigenous-driven approaches to genomic research.
Who are the key collaborators in this project?
The project is led by Southcentral Foundation, with key collaborators including Jessica Blanchard, Ph.D., from the University of Oklahoma’s Center for Applied Social Research, and other experts from the University of Washington and Laureate Institute for Brain Research.
What is the Community Scholars program?
The Community Scholars program is an initiative to support researchers of all career levels interested in pursuing Tribal health research. Selected scholars will participate in PIER initiatives over the coming years, with calls for applications to be released in February.
What is the duration and funding of the project?
The project began in September 2025 and is expected to end in June 2027. It is supported by a grant from the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, a component of the National Institutes of Health, under award number 1UM1HG014596-01.
How does this project aim to address AI/AN health disparities?
The project aims to conduct genomic research defined by AI/AN communities and led by and in partnership with AI/AN people, strengthening collaboration with AI/AN communities and health systems in Alaska and Oklahoma to promote Indigenous-driven approaches to genomic research.
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