CSHL Cancer Center Support Grant

OVERALL – ABSTRACT The Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) Cancer Center is a preeminent institute for basic cancer research. More than 50 years ago, strategically focused efforts investigated the genetics of human cancer, laying the foundation for multiple breakthroughs today. As a result, researchers in the CSHL Cancer Center have made discoveries about how tumors initiate and progress, and they have produced novel tools, approaches, and cancer models that are used around the world. Over the last five years, the leadership of the CSHL Cancer Center transitioned smoothly, with David Tuveson assuming the role of Center Director. Tuveson substantially expanded the Cancer Center leadership team, reorganized the Programs and Shared Resources, and added new research infrastructure to support new initiatives and maintain the highly collaborative and integrated research in the Center. The CSHL Cancer Center now has 43 full members, who are divided into three research programs: Cancer Genetics and Genomics; Gene Regulation and Inheritance; and Cellular Communication in Cancer. The research in these Programs is supported by 10 Shared Resources, which provide access to cutting-edge technologies and expertise. This transition has propelled the Cancer Center’s research excellence. Broadly, the Cancer Center focuses on three major themes: defining the basic molecular mechanisms underpinning cancer development and progression; determining the features of neoplastic and stromal cellular heterogeneity that drive tumorigenesis; and developing novel experimental and computational technologies to assist cancer diagnosis and therapy. Center members published 408 cancer-relevant research papers during this funding cycle, with 41% in journals with an impact factor greater than 10. Cancer Center members were recognized for their significant contributions to science with 43 highly competitive national and international awards during this funding period. The Cancer Center continues to be highly collaborative, with 27% of publications representing a collaboration between at least two Center members. And finally, to support these efforts, members have obtained $11.8 million dollars in cancer-relevant, peer-reviewed funding. In the next funding period, the Cancer Center will continue to make foundational discoveries about cancer using basic research. At the same time, the Cancer Center is committed to increasing links to cancer patients and patient-derived models to facilitate an extension to human biology and clinical translation. Funds from the Cancer Center Support Grant will support the Cancer Center Leadership, Administration, Education and Training, the Developmental Funds that enhance innovative science, and the Shared Resources that provide essential technologies to advance our cancer research.