Integrative Cancer Scholars Training Grant

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Abstract Our goal is to recruit, train and develop the next generation of leaders in cancer research. To achieve this objective, we will implement the Integrative Cancer Scholars (ICS) program as described in this competitive renewal of our long-standing Cancer Biology Training Program. ICS is an innovative predoctoral and postdoctoral fellows training program that embraces a paired-mentor team approach to maximize the impact and significance of cancer research. Specifically, Scholars choose one basic science mentor and one clinical science mentor from among nationally competitive basic and physician scientists. From the mentor pair, the Scholar selects a `lead' mentor from among the faculty with well-funded collaborative research programs with a broad range of cancer research specialties: Genomic and Epigenetic Instability, Tumor Microenvironment, Cancer Prevention and Control, Developmental Therapeutics, Cancer Imaging, Tumor Viruses and Immunology, Tumor Progression and Metastasis, and Cancer Pain. ICS is a unique program with distinct training events designed to integrate current molecular and clinical cancer concepts. Each Scholar is expected to conduct original cutting-edge research under the guidance of the mentor-pair and to participate in clinical cases with their chosen physician mentor. Progress of each trainee is ensured through compulsory committee meetings and annual evaluations by the mentor-pair. Scholars also participate in career development and national networking opportunities, including hosting thought leaders in our Cancer Biology Seminar Series, acquiring new targeted skills in educational workshops, and community engagement with oncologists and biotechnology experts. Additionally, Scholars are provided support to travel and present their work at a national meeting. ICS is associated with the Cancer Biology Graduate Interdisciplinary Program which provides instruction in cancer causation, epidemiology, prevention, and grant writing through specific coursework and a symposium featuring presentations of pre- and postdoctoral research. The postdoctoral training plan ensures that each trainee navigates a path of comprehensive training, leading to a mature scholarship and ability to conduct independent, cutting-edge research. The program is designed to expose each trainee to the range of current thought in the cancer field, to teach state-of-the-art laboratory techniques, to emphasize critical thinking skills, to introduce real-world aspects of clinical work, and to refine their career-development skills, particularly in networking, communication and grant/manuscript preparation. Pre- and postdoctoral researchers from laboratories of the participating mentors are eligible for ICS support, and Scholars are selected through a competitive process. Support from the UA, state-of-the-art research core facilities, and opportunities for underrepresented-minority researchers (UA is top of all Research I institutions for URMs in graduate school) round out a rich environment for training the future leaders of cancer research.