Using Qualitative Research Methods to Codesign a Virtual Community of Practice for Global Oncology Early-Career Investigators.

PURPOSE: Cancer incidence and mortality are projected to increase disproportionately in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), highlighting the need to strengthen global cancer research capacity. Supporting early-career investigators (ECIs) is central to this effort. We conducted a qualitative study to identify barriers and facilitators to global oncology research careers among ECIs and to inform the codesign of a virtual community of practice (CoP).

METHODS

We conducted semistructured in-depth interviews with ECIs participating in the US National Cancer Institute's Global Cancer Research Training Program between February and June 2023. Participants were purposively selected to represent diverse disciplines and geographic regions. Interviews explored career goals, institutional support and constraints, mentorship experiences, and training needs. Transcripts were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis, and the findings were synthesized to guide CoP design with relevant stakeholders.

RESULTS

Three themes were identified: institutional capacity, mentorship, and alignment of research with local priorities. Participants described challenges related to infrastructure, protected time, and access to training. They emphasized the need for structured networking, skills development in grant writing and research methods, and platforms to support peer collaboration. These findings informed CoP design features, including competency-focused programming, cross-institutional networking, and resource-sharing mechanisms.

CONCLUSION

This study describes a qualitative approach to user-centered design of a virtual CoP for ECIs in LMICs. Centering participant perspectives informed the development of a context-responsive platform for training, collaboration, and knowledge exchange.