Cancer Epigenetics Training (CET) Program

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PROJECT SUMMARY This proposal seeks to develop a dedicated Cancer Epigenetics Training (CET) program at Van Andel Research Institute (VARI) to train two new postdoctoral fellows per year for three years each. The objective of the CET is to prepare 10 postdoctoral fellows to become independent academic and industry research leaders in the field of cancer epigenetics. The CET program will build upon the Center for Epigenetics that was established in 2014 by Peter Jones, Ph.D., D.Sc. (hon) and has grown into a world-class, internationally recognized center of excellence for basic and translational epigenetics research. To launch the CET program, we have assembled a team of 9 mentors and 6 co-mentors who collectively hold ~$5.7M of funding per year and have highly complementary and interdisciplinary cancer and epigenetics expertise. CET faculty include several epigenetics pioneers; two members of the National Academy of Sciences; the Van Andel Institute Stand Up to Cancer Epigenetics Dream Team (VAI-SU2C); two leaders of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) project; and mentors/co-mentors from all career stages. Trainees will be able to pursue basic and translational research projects in cancer biology; tumorigenesis, cellular development and differentiation; mechanisms governing DNA methylation and chromatin regulation; epigenomics and advanced tool development; GWAS and EWAS; transgenerational inheritance; structural biology; metabolism; and epigenetic therapies. The CET program is overseen by a dedicated Advisory Committee composed of domain-level experts from academic, industrial, and clinical careers. We have developed a targeted diversity and recruitment plan to increase the T32-eligible pool size and attract and retain individuals from underrepresented groups. Upon acceptance, each Trainee is assigned an Individual Development Team (IDT) to coach, mentor, and guide the Trainee through the scientific and non-scientific dimensions of career development. The faculty and CET Trainees are supported by a dedicated Office of Postdoctoral Affairs that is directed by a PhD-level biomedical career development professional. Each Trainee is required to complete a comprehensive curriculum of scientific and professional development training. Key deliverables and milestones for T32 Trainees include annual seminars (internal and external); at least one semester of teaching or mentoring experience; one first-authored publication; and at least one submitted F32 (or equivalent) and K99/R00 application. The training requirements and expectations are formalized within Individual Development Plans (IDPs) that are reviewed annually by the Advisory Committee. Research-related, individualized training not otherwise defined in the CET training program is provided by VARI. The CET will be rigorously evaluated through entrance, annual, exit, and alumni assessments. With the superlative faculty, resources, and guidance afforded by the CET, postdoctoral fellows will emerge with a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary skill set, perspective, and foundation from which to establish their independent research careers in cancer epigenetics.