Supporting the next generation of researchers

Cancer Center member David Plas, PhD, is primary investigator for the grant, with members Maria Czyzyk-Krzeska, MD, PhD, and Kathryn Wikenheiser-Brokamp, MD, PhD, serving as co-principal investigators.

The American Cancer Society awards Institutional Research Grants to academic and nonprofit organizations that have a track record of outstanding cancer research and a pool of experienced researchers who can mentor junior faculty. The purpose is to support early-stage faculty investigators in initiating cancer research projects so they can obtain preliminary results that will enable them to compete successfully for national research grants.

"Receiving this award from the American Cancer Society is a validation of the cancer research happening across campus and our commitment to developing junior faculty. This award puts us in good company with peer institutions, including Case Comprehensive Cancer Center at Case Western Reserve University and Markey Cancer Center at the University of Kentucky. We are incredibly proud of the work the grant co-PIs put into receiving this award, and we are excited for the impact this will have on our early-stage investigators," said Syed Ahmad, MD, and William Barrett, MD, co-directors at the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center.

Over the next three years, up to nine early-stage Cancer Center investigators will benefit from this new pilot program. With matching funds provided by the Cancer Center, each funded investigator can receive up to $80,000 in support. Information on eligibility and how to apply will be available later this year.

Featured photo at top: Research assistant Grace Goodhart, right, works in the laboratory as Andrew Waters, PhD, left, looks on. Photo/Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand.