Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination

CANCER RESEARCH TRAINING AND EDUCATION COORDINATION (CRTEC) PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT CRTEC leverages Rutgers Cancer Institute’s multi-disciplinary environment, resources, and Consortium to train a comprehensive workforce of Basic, Clinical, and Population Researchers in partnership with the Office of Community Outreach and Engagement (COE). An Internal Advisory Committee (with representation from Research Programs, COE, and other stakeholders) and an External Advisor provides additional guidance. CRTEC supports curriculum development and submission of individual and institutional training grants, and coordinates incentives for trainees who receive external grant funding and travel awards to present at regional/national meetings. CRTEC initiatives are integrated with Research Programs across the Consortium. CRTEC collects vital trainee metrics to report to key stakeholders and for grant submissions. Aligned with the cancer institute’s Strategic Plan, CRTEC aims to: 1) leverage strengths of the Consortium to secure Training Grants to develop the next generation of Basic, Clinical, and Population Researchers; 2) organize educational initiatives that integrate with Research Programs to contribute to training across the Consortium and the community; 3) provide mentorship and comprehensive University-wide resources to trainees and junior faculty to support professional development; and 4) establish programs for trainees who face challenges in educational access and achievement to advance research and reduce negative cancer health outcomes in our catchment area. Eleven NIH institutional training grants (4 from NCI) were secured by CCSG Members in this grant period, with two other NIH training grants at Princeton University (PU) involving Members as mentors; Members/their trainees also secured 17 NIH individual training awards (5 F, 7 K, 5 R00). NCI-funded institutional training grants increased from zero to four and individual NIH training grants increased from 23 to 27 (17%) compared to the last funding period. Rutgers Cancer Institute faculty secured new NCI funding to train high school science teachers and students (high school, undergraduate, medical) from access-challenged backgrounds (R25 and Supplement); secured an NCI T32 Training Grant for post-doctoral trainees; developed new undergraduate summer internship programs with PU and undergraduate and graduate programs with regional academic institutions including Middlesex College; mentored >500 research and >50 clinical trainees; and reached thousands of K-12 students through the Rutgers Youth Enjoy Science Program and other initiatives. Future plans include securing additional training grant funding with research mentors from across the Consortium, developing Consortium-wide training initiatives, and collaborating with COE to engage the communities in our catchment area.