Award supports young investigators
Phoenix, AZ, December 18, 2006--The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) has been awarded an Institutional Research Grant from the American Cancer Society. The three-year, $180,000 grant will be competitively divided among TGen's junior investigators, who will use the funding to launch their own pilot projects, with the ultimate goal of gathering enough data to apply for larger federal grants.
Dr. John Carpten, TGen Senior Investigator and Director of its Integrated Cancer Genomics Division, and Dr. Jodi Black, Vice President of Research Administration, will oversee and administer the award according to American Cancer Society guidelines, which include collecting applications from TGen's junior faculty, setting up a review panel and finalizing the awards.
"When it comes to moving science forward, it is important to support young investigators early in their career development," said Dr. Carpten. "In the current funding environment, independent research awards are difficult to acquire, especially for young faculty, and this grant from the American Cancer Society will give our junior investigators at TGen the opportunity to 'jump-start' their careers in cancer research."
The Institutional Research Grant is a block award that enables an institution to give "seed" grants to beginning investigators, thus supporting junior faculty in initiating their cancer research projects. It gives these scientists a way to obtain preliminary results that will enable them to compete successfully for larger national research grants.
In addition to the grant, the American Cancer Society presented TGen with an original painting created by a 4-year old Arizona Camp Sunrise participant. The American Cancer Society's Arizona Camp Sunrise and Sidekicks is a summer camp program for children diagnosed with cancer, as well as their siblings.
"The American Cancer Society selected TGen as the recipient of this very competitive award based on the institute's many cancer research programs," said Pat Lavin, Region Vice President of the American Cancer Society. "It is our hope that this funding will help TGen's junior faculty to launch innovative and cutting edge cancer projects."
Cancer research programs at TGen include studies of breast, ovarian, lung, prostate, and pancreas cancer, as well as multiple myeloma and adrenocortical carcinoma, using a multidisciplinary team science approach
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About the American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a
major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and
preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and
service. Founded in 1913 and with national headquarters in Atlanta,
the Society has 14 regional Divisions and local offices in 3,400
communities, involving millions of volunteers across the United
States. For more information anytime, call toll free1-800-ACS-2345
or visit www.cancer.org.
About TGen
The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) is a
non-profit 501(c)(3) organization focused on developing earlier
diagnostics and smarter treatments. Translational genomics research
is a relatively new field employing innovative advances arising
from the Human Genome Project and applying them to the development
of diagnostics, prognostics and therapies for cancer, neurological
disorders, diabetes and other complex diseases. TGen's research is
based on personalized medicine. The institute plans to accomplish
its goals through robust and disease-focused research.
Media Contacts:
Amy Erickson, TGen
602.343.8522
Meg Kondrich, ACS
602.381.3092
