Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination

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CANCER RESEARCH TRAINING & EDUCATION COORDINATION: ABSTRACT Cancer Research Training & Education Coordination (CaRTEC) is a major pillar of the University of Florida Health Cancer Center (UFHCC) strategic plan. Led by Siemann (CTHR), Associate Director for Education and Training, it provides a continuum of education and training opportunities that encompass pre-collegiate and undergraduate programs, pre- and postdoctoral and clinical training initiatives, faculty mentoring, and career enhancement. CaRTEC integrates and enhances cancer education, research training, and career-development activities at all trainee and faculty levels. At the pre-collegiate level, UFHCC summer programs introduce high school students to cancer research through lectures and lab experiences to encourage their academic choices. An innovative program for middle and high school science teachers promotes advances in cancer research and care. An undergraduate scholars program in basic, clinical, or population science provides UF students with opportunities to collaborate on research projects and aims to motivate students to pursue careers in cancer research. Cancer research and career opportunities for minority students are promoted by NCI and UFHCC- funded programs providing training in laboratories of UFHCC members. Graduate students in the Cancer Biology Concentration (CBC) of the UF College of Medicine Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences join a vibrant academic program offering training in fundamental and translational cancer research. Reflecting the transdisciplinary nature of UF cancer research, the CBC is comprised of graduate faculty representing a wide range of UF colleges. At the postdoctoral level, CaRTEC supports the strategic recruitment of postdoctoral fellows to strengthen the number of trainees interested in all aspects of cancer research. Since 2016, 102 UFHCC members have trained 542 graduate students and 192 postdoctoral trainees, of whom 89 (12%) have identified as underrepresented minorities and 360 (49%) are women. Early-stage investigators are each assigned a principal mentor and mentoring advisory committee to review their research plans and grants, and foster their professional development. Clinical faculty and trainees have opportunities to enhance skills through short courses in clinical research and biostatistics as well as a think tank for investigator-initiated clinical trials. The UFHCC supports continuing medical education for members and community physicians. Building on UFHCC assets, in 2021, a novel team-based interdisciplinary cancer-focused NCI-funded T32 Training Grant for pre- and postdoctoral fellows and an American Cancer Society Institutional Research Grant were awarded. Long- term goals are to 1) prepare the next generation of basic, clinical, and population scientists for successful cancer research careers; and, 2) facilitate the engagement of researchers in community dialogue to promote awareness of cancer risk factors, cancer research, and treatment. In alignment with the Plan to Enhance Diversity, new initiatives include a UFHCC Pilot Diversity Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP), submission of an R25 Diversity PREP application, and development of additional cancer-focused T32 applications.