Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination

9.0 Abstract: Cancer Research Career Enhancement and Related Activities Education and training of next-generation cancer researchers is essential to continue the top-quality basic, translational, clinical, and prevention research required to control cancer in Maryland and around the world. Cancer Research Career Enhancement and Related Activities (CRCERA) at the University of Maryland Marlene and Stuart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center (UMGCCC) include cancer education, research training, career development, and continuing education programs that stream through our community, from middle school through postdoctoral education. Cancer education and research training are integrated seamlessly across UMGCCC basic and translational research, and clinical activities. Educational and career advancement activities are leveraged across the pipeline programs and with partners in our surrounding catchment area. CRCERA are coordinated by the UMGCCC Training and Education Steering Committee, which is chaired by the associate director of Training and Education and is composed of UMGCCC senior leadership, directors of formal education and training programs, and education partners in the participating schools of the University of Maryland–Baltimore (UMB). During the previous funding period, the cancer training programs provided research experiences and career development opportunities for more than 730 students across the training and education continuum. These programs are supported by 17 National Institutes of Health grants; 3 additional cancer-focused or cancer-related institutional training grants, including 2 grants from the National Cancer Institute; and several individual fellowships. CRCERA are expanding to support the goals of inspiring, educating, training, and developing the careers of the next generation of cancer researchers. UMGCCC will achieve this goal through three specific aims: (a) coordinate and support innovative research programs and transformative experiences that encourage students to explore careers in cancer research and that will enhance UMGCCC research, clinical activities, and community outreach; (b) expand infrastructure and analytical tools for assessing metrics and outcomes of existing and developing CRCERA to provide the most effective programs possible; and (c) build on early pipeline programs by expanding partnerships with multiple institutions and enhancing stakeholder connections throughout the catchment area to encourage talented students to pursue careers in cancer research and clinical care. UMGCCC programs, faculty and administrative staff, and shared services support these aims.