Cancer Center Infrastructure Grant

Developing interdisciplinary programs in cancer-related research, education, clinical care, and community service

Full Project Name:Cancer Center Infrastructure GrantPrincipal Investigator:Gustavo Leone, PhD, BiochemistryCo-Investigator:Hallgeir Rui, MD, PhD, PathologyAward Amount:$6,546,129

Award Date

November2010

Project Duration:128 months

Project Description Narrative:

Wisconsin has documented high rates of cancer, particularly in the southeastern region that includes Milwaukee, Kenosha, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth, Washington and Waukesha counties. In response, MCW aims to further develop strong and nationally recognized interdisciplinary programs in cancer-related research, education, clinical care and community service and establish National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation.

Through this award to the MCW Cancer Center, MCW will develop strong and nationally recognized programs to support NCI designation and advance the translation of cancer-related discoveries to improve outcomes, decrease rates of incidence, and reduce cancer disparities in underserved populations.

Outcomes & Lessons Learned:

Submitted several applications for extramural funding to support promising lines of research discovery, including two NIH grants
Established a grant application support program to help increase submissions. As a result of this enhancement, 11 applications were submitted
Aligned the MCW Cancer Center seed grant structure with research focus areas of breast, pancreas, immunology and disparities. The pilot funding program Request for Applications was revised to better position recipients for success through strengthening mentorship in research. In addition, REDCAP, an online survey/data collection tool, was adapted to create further efficiencies in the review process
Sponsored individual program retreats, providing opportunities for researchers to share knowledge and foster cross-disciplinary research collaborations toward a strong, vibrant research community
Continued to develop the MCW Cancer Center website, culling pages and content, consolidating key information and adding new tools and data including heat maps of cancer incidence, late-stage incidence and mortality
Increased both internal and external communications as demonstrated by more than 10 notable media items during this reporting period. MCW Cancer Center communications continues to reach more than 25,000 people throughout Wisconsin, and the team continues to collaborate with MCW, Froedtert and the MCW Clinical and Translational Science Institute's marketing and public affairs leadership