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Career Enhancement Program (CEP)
Co-Directors:
David Mutch, MD
Doris Benbrook, PhD
Carolyn Muller, MD
The goal of the Career Enhancement Program (CEP) is to recruit and support early career and established investigators in translational endometrial cancer research. The CEP builds upon existing productive collaborations between outstanding researchers with expertise in translational endometrial cancer at Washington University, University of New Mexico, and University of Oklahoma. We will further enhance these collaborations by providing funding support, didactic training, career development and mentoring to new investigators in the field.
The CEP will pursue the following specific aims:
- Recruit and support the careers of investigators new to endometrial cancer research;
- Mentor and advise faculty researchers in translational endometrial cancer research;
- Foster collaborations with partner institutions and other endometrial SPORE institutions, and
- Promote diverse, equitable, and inclusive participation in endometrial cancer research.
Successful completion of these aims will support new investigators, improve our understanding of the spectrum of endometrial cancer, and develop new approaches for early detection, prevention, and treatment of this prevalent cancer. Our ultimate goal is to build a strong inclusive CEP program that mentors investigators to achieve successful careers in translational endometrial cancer research with the skills to develop an independent SPORE project and vibrant research careers.
Developmental Research Program
Director:
Kimberly Leslie, MD
Co-Directors:
Dineo Khabele, MD
Kathleen Moore, MD
The overall goals of the Route 66 Endometrial Cancer SPORE Developmental Research Program (DRP) are to support innovative, early-stage research in endometrial cancer, to develop pilot projects to the point of inclusion as full SPORE projects, to increase the number of investigators committed to endometrial cancer, and to diversify the workforce.
The DRP will provide one- to two-year pilot funding for projects in basic, translational, clinical, epidemiologic, and cancer prevention and control research. The DRP will be open to all three participating institutions in the SPORE.
As a result of the DRP, bold new ideas in endometrial cancer research will be funded at the pilot stage and developed to lead to new treatment or prevention strategies. We fully anticipate that one or more DRP projects will be elevated to full SPORE projects in the next funding period. Additionally, new investigators will leverage DRP support to develop their projects, obtain preliminary data, and secure external funding and thus establish their careers in endometrial cancer research. Finally, established investigators who are new to the field will apply their knowledge and expertise to the field of endometrial cancer.