Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination

CANCER RESEARCH TRAINING AND EDUCATION COORDINATION PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination activities are centered in the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center (Case CCC), Office of Cancer Training, Education, and Research (OCTER), which provides rigorous training in cancer research as well as career enhancement activities to prepare a continuum of trainees for productive careers in cancer research or oncology healthcare. OCTER coordinates existing research education and training activities across the consortium’s institutions and develops new educational initiatives with emphasis on integrating cancer researchers and health care professionals. Case CCC supported programs have facilitated career enrichment activities for 1,957 cancer trainees during the last cycle, spanning career stages from middle school students through early-stage investigators. The impact of these efforts is evidenced by: 1) the portfolio of peer-reviewed training grants in cancer research and clinical training; 2) the high-impact basic and clinical science performed by Center trainees; 3) robust trainee involvement in Center-sponsored career enrichment activities; 4) successful career advancement for all Case CCC trainees; 5) coordination of Center-wide research education and training activities by OCTER’s Training and Education Advisory Council & Hubs (TEACHs); and 6) Center efforts to engage trainees at all levels, including middle school, high school, and undergraduate students, to enter cancer-oriented biomedical research and healthcare professions. OCTER has developed the following specific aims, in alignment with the core principles of the 2023-2028 Case CCC Strategic Plan, to maintain and expand the exceptional career enhancement programming into the next cycle: Aim 1: Develop, coordinate, and assess Center-wide cancer research career enrichment activities. Aim 2: Integrate basic, population, and clinical science trainees into Center Programs and Shared Resources activities to enhance our mentoring impact. Aim 3: Create and foster pathways to a robust cancer research workforce. The Case CCC strives to provide rigorous training in cancer research as well as career enhancement activities that prepare all trainees for productive careers as cancer-focused biomedical researchers or healthcare professionals.