Multi-Disciplinary Training Grant in Cancer Research

University Of Chicago, Chicago IL

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

Program Summary The Multi-disciplinary Training grant in Cancer Research (MTCR) is a pre-doctoral training program at the University of Chicago supported by NIH/NCI T32-009594 that trains our most talented pre-doctoral students to understand and target cancers using multi-disciplinary approaches. Pre-doctoral trainees are appointed to the MTCR T32 at the end of their first or second year in graduate school from feeder graduate programs, and are appointed for a minimum of one year, and usually reappointed for a second year, based on performance review of the past year in the program. Through stringent selection of faculty trainers, evolving coursework and training elements in translational cancer research, chemical biology, molecular engineering and computational approaches, the MTCR program provides opportunities that are multi-disciplinary and emphasize problem-based learning and hands-on experience. The MTCR also promotes effective career development through the MyCHOICE program and the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation where our trainees are exposed through seminars, workshops and internships to skills relevant to a career in biotechnology, science journalism and other research- intensive/related careers. In the past cycle, we have developed more effective mechanisms for trainee recruitment from diverse backgrounds, through deployment of current trainees and our alumni network, in combination with more holistic rubrics for recruitment. As a result, our program is more diverse than ever, has shown enhanced training outcomes in terms of publications, fellowship awards and percent trainees going into research-intensive and research-related careers, as well increased engagement of our trainees both in the community, where our trainees have led many COE and DEI initiatives and also in biotechnology, where our trainees are now actively engaged in building collaborative research networks across the United States. Over the next 5 years with renewed funding, we aim to build on our successful approaches, while continuing to review and enhance existing training, for example through increased translational interactions as our new UChicago Cancer Pavilion (the first ever freestanding Cancer Center in Illinois) comes online in 2027, and with the new CZ Biohub Chicago. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that our pre-doctoral trainees, who are the next generation of cancer researchers, have the knowledge, skills and motivation to make a meaningful impact on the collective goal of minimizing cancer deaths in our time.