Figure 1

Bay Area PS-OC’s Advocates Advancing Bioscience Initiatives (AABI). The Bay Area PS-OC’s AABI is the embodiment of NCI’s commitment to promote convergence in bioscience. The diverse engagement activities embrace the connection between physical sciences approaches, oncology, and advocacy to address barriers in cancer control. Importantly, the platforms highlight the value of lay participation in heralding a revolution in biomedical research. As vital catalysts for transdisciplinary innovation, advocates synthesize, prioritize, and give voice to three important aims: increasing the inclusion in the initial and the final stages of research development and strategy, encouraging informed bi-directional stakeholder engagement, and reducing the cultural barriers that impair communication.