Interdisciplinary Training in Cancer Prevention and Control

Indiana University Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

In 2006, the National Cancer Institute began supporting transdisciplinary training in behavioral oncology at Indiana University, initially with an R25T mechanism which transitioned to a T32 in 2016. In response to PA-20-142, we seek to continue this T32 training program. During the last 10 years, 82% of completed pre doctoral trainees (9 of 11) accepted postdoctoral fellowships at prestigious research universities, five trainees completed F31 applications of which 60% were funded, and the average number of publications per trainee was 8.3. Eight postdoctoral trainees have completed their training, and 75% accepted tenure track academic positions; an additional trainee accepted a prestigious research position at the FDA, focused on tobacco research. Two have submitted K99/R00 applications of which one was funded and the second, received a score of 40, and was resubmitted in November of 2020. The average number of publications per postdoctoral trainee was 8.4. This T32 program resides in a strong, research-intensive environment, which includes the Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center (IUSCCC), a research-intensive health science campus and over 100 research institutes, laboratories, and specialized programs available to trainees. The program is led by a stellar and dedicated team of transdisciplinary mentors. The IUSCCC and other schools involved in the training program commit over $1,100,000 during the next five years. We believe that cancer morbidity and mortality can best be addressed by training fellows that understand approaches to cancer control science. Our aims are to: 1) Recruit well-qualified applicants; 2) Provide a rigorous training program with a strong focus on cancer prevention and control; and 3) Prepare pre- and postdoctoral trainees to become independent scientists whose research leads to reduced cancer morbidity and mortality across all populations. We maintain successful strategies from the current training program while adding innovative opportunities that reflect our changing society. A strong mentoring team and training platform support the acquisition of defined outcome competencies. This competing continuation is co-led by Drs. Victoria Champion and Catherine Mosher, whose disciplinary backgrounds and research areas bring complementary skills.