The Center for Information and Study on Clinical Research Participation (CISCRP), a nonprofit organization dedicated to engaging the public and patients as partners in the clinical research process, has announced the return of AWARE for All Boston, a free event designed to promote understanding and dialogue around clinical research participation.

The event will be at the Curry Student Center Ballroom at Northeastern University on Monday, Oct. 27 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and will feature free health screenings, informational exhibits, presentations from Boston medical professionals and community patients involved in clinical research, as well as free food and giveaways.

Funding for this event is provided by CISCRP's national AWARE sponsor EMD Serono, a subsidiary of Merck, and local sponsors the Harvard School of Public Health, the Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, and Brigham & Women's Hospital, section of diabetes.

"My goal is to find ways in which we can build sustainability in our community in awareness, patient advocacy and ambassadorship. AWARE for All provides a platform for meaningful dialogue to engage our diverse communities and promote an understanding of available treatment options so people can make well-informed decisions," said Dr. Karen Winkfield, director of hematologic radiation oncology at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Ken Getz, founder and chairman of the board at CISCRP, said, "There is a need for general education about the clinical research process including the risks, benefits and the rights of participants. This is an important opportunity for the Boston community to work together to address this need and to recognize those who give the gift of participation."

Community and research partners include the Dana-Farber Institute, Joslin Diabetes Center, Tufts Medical School, Cambridge Hospital, Northeastern University and Mass General Hospital.

This free event is open to the public; however, advanced registration is strongly encouraged through www.awareforall.org or by calling 1-877-MED-HERO (1-877-633-4370).