Career Enhancement Program

Indiana University Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

ABSTRACT– CAREER ENCHANCEMENT PROGRAM The goal of this Developmental and Hyperactive Ras Tumor (DHART) SPORE is to implement effective therapies for neoplasms and cancers characterized by NF1 mutations by conducting mechanistically based translational research. The Career Enhancement Program (CEP) supports junior faculty who engage in translational research focused on NF1-assocaited tumors and sporadic cancers characterized by somatic NF1 mutations. The purpose of the CEP is to encourage these junior investigators to develop innovative independent research projects directly relevant to the research focus of this SPORE. DHART SPORE investigators have substantial expertise in basic, translational, and clinical researc related to normal NF1 and Ras function and how this is perturbed in human developmental disorders and cancer. This collective scientific and mentoring expertise in the DHART SPORE provide an ideal environment for accelerating the careers of young translational scientists s they integrates state-of-the art technologies and models in a practical, meaningful way. The SPORE also makes outstanding core infrastructure available to CEP-funded investigators and includes an expert advisory board to offer scientific and career advice. The DHART SPORE Project Leaders and Co-Leaders hold primary appointments at Indiana University, UC San Francisco, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, the University of Virginia, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), and the Pediatric Branch of the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Recognizing the potential for this multi-institutional SPORE to identify and mentor a large and talented pool of junior faculty from multiple clinical and basic sciences disciplines, the participating NCI-funded Cancer Centers and the Neurofibromatosis Therapeutic Acceleration Program (NTAP) at Johns Hopkins University (JHU) has committed >$1.500,000 to support the DHART SPORE Developmental Programs (CEP and DRP) during the current period of NCI support. The SPORE has made awards totaling over $1.3 million to date during this funding cycle, including >$800,000 to support CEP projects. We continue to pursue the goals of the CEP through the following specific aims: (1) to support junior investigators as they develop innovative research programs with the goal of contributing new knowledge to the field of NF1-related cancer research while generating preliminary data that will allow them to successfully apply for independent extramural funding; (2) to provide young researchers with didactic training that will equip them with essential skills and knowledge for success as an independent investigator in the field of NF1-related cancer research; and, (3) to mentor young translational researchers through regularly scheduled one-on-one meetings with a designated senior faculty member and a structured Individual Career Development Program (ICDP) who will fully integrate the CEP-supported investigator into the fabric of the DHART SPORE where they have access to advice, resources, exemplary core resources, and potential new collaborators.