RESEARCH AND METHODS CORE: PROJECT SUMMARY The Research and Methods Core (RMC) will drive the application of innovative methodologic solutions to the challenges of implementing evidence-based interventions for the prevention of cancer among people living in persistent poverty. The central goal is achieving reach through equitable implementation to meet the needs and resources of delivery systems that serve youth, families, and individuals in areas of persistent poverty. The RMC will support the research activities of “HOPE & CAIRHE 2gether” (HC2) through three specific aims: Aim 1: INNOVATE: Serve as a hub for cross-project methodologic synergies to advance cancer prevention implementation science in persistent poverty areas. The RMC will ensure proper application of novel implementation research tools while highlighting unique methodologic advancements facilitated by HC2's collaborative structure. Central to this aim are innovations facilitated by three methods developed by RMC Co- Lead Smith: (1) the Implementation Research Logic Model; (2) an implementation outcomes common data elements tool; and (3) a novel and rigorous system for longitudinal tracking of implementation strategies and their dynamic modifications over time. Aim 2: SUPPORT: Ensure methodologic support for HC2 research activities. The RMC will ensure that HC2's Research and Pilot Projects have excellent methodologic support to carry out their specific aims and those of HC2 overall. Specifically, the RMC will identify common data elements, orchestrate the use of shared measures, and provide rigorous quantitative, qualitative, health economic analyses and implementation science methods across the Research and Pilot Projects. We will use quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods approaches to answer each project's stated specific aims as well as novel and convergent research questions that emerge through HC2's work. Aim 3: EVALUATE: Measure HC2 research productivity and impact. The RMC will collaborate with the Administrative Core to measure and evaluate HC2's progress toward achieving research and training milestones and outcomes. We will use the Translational Science Benefits Model to demonstrate the impact of our work in the real world on metrics salient to HC2 and the Persistent Poverty Initiative (RFA-CA-22-015). The RMC is Co-Led by experts with complementary expertise in prevention implementation science methods, research design, and quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods analysis. Four workgroups will carry out RMC's aims: (1) Implementation Evaluation & Measurement; (2) Biostatistics & Research Design; (3) Qualitative & Mixed Methods; and (4) Health Economics. RMC will coordinate with the Administrative Core, Career Enhancement Core, and Community Engagement Team to ensure methodologic support and rigor across HC2 activities. RMC's contributions will generate critical methodologic advances towards reducing the cancer mortality disparities experienced by individuals living in persistent poverty.