Developmental Funds

PROJECT SUMMARY: DEVELOPMENTAL FUNDS CCSG Developmental Funds provide an essential base of support for strategic recruitment initiatives of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center (BCC) consistent with its strategic goals to enhance cancer research and promote transdisciplinary research collaborations. Strategic initiatives, including faculty recruitment and enhancements to shared facilities, are incorporated into the BCC strategic plan and reviewed by BCC Advisory Boards to ensure that goals are fully evaluated and ultimately achieved. During the current period, Developmental Funds were utilized to assist in the recruitment of 24 faculty members, with each of the BCC Research Programs benefitting from strategic recruitment (8 in Cancer Biology Program (CBP); 8 in Targets, Modulators and Delivery Program (TMDP); 8 in GI Cancer Program (GICP)). In addition to providing financial support to these 24 recruits, 17 members were allocated BCC research space by the Director. Of the 24 BCC recruits who received Developmental Funds, 23 are peer-reviewed funded investigators, 14 funded by the NCI. BCC recruits who received Developmental Funds have been successful in receiving peer-reviewed funding, with total direct cancer relevant research costs amounting to over $22 million. Addition of new BCC faculty during the next funding period will be facilitated through recruitment in the Eppley Institute (under the direct authority of the Director), as well as in collaboration with deans and department chairs in the Colleges of Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Public Health. With senior BCC Leaders serving as Department Chairs in the College of Medicine, the BCC has a very strong and collegial team working together to ensure the success of strategic recruitment initiatives of the Buffet Cancer Center. Over the next project period the BCC is requesting Developmental Funds to support 20-30 new cancer research faculty recruits.