2/2 Collaborative Union for Cancer Research and Educational Development (CURED) - Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center (DLDCCC) at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) and Texas Southern University (TSU) are jointly submitting a P20 application to build a collaborative partnership in cancer research, education, and outreach. DLDCCC is a National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated cancer center. TSU is one of the nation’s largest Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). BCM and TSU have had several successful collaborations. This relationship was strengthened recently through TSU’s U54 “Center for Biomedical and Minority Health Research”, where BCM faculty have partnered closely on collaborative cancer research, community education, and outreach. This program provides an excellent opportunity for TSU and BCM to expand collaborations. We propose a BCM-TSU P20 program “Collaborative Union for Cancer Research, and Educational Development” (CURED) that will foster strong collaborations utilizing our complementary strengths. Overall objectives are to create a shared infrastructure that will provide an optimal environment for cancer research, education, community outreach, and career development that will augment biomedical workforce. CURED was established under the direction of senior leadership at each institution, reflected in the significant institutional support for this partnership. BCM has committed $160,000/year for four years in cost matching funds, $ 50,000 for Pilot project 2 for one year, and committed funds to support the training of TSU summer students in the Cancer Research Education Program. TSU has committed to return the Indirect Cost allocation amounting to $98,000 each year. All TSU investigators are members of the DLDCCC. Leaders of each institution are thus committed to empowering the P20 partnership to improve cancer health outcomes among the Greater Houston Community. Our goals are to (1) establish a collaborative alliance between BCM and TSU for cancer research, education, and community outreach. We will (a) establish CURED offices in both institutions that will provide coordination for relevant activities, evaluate progress of current projects, and ensure a pipeline of innovative pilot projects; (b) centralize institutional resources for faculty/trainee research needs (c) lead a cancer research and career development program for TSU students that includes mentored cancer research, an educational curriculum, hands-on training in emerging technologies, and professional development; (d) build a BCM/TSU comprehensive outreach program to improve cancer health outcomes at the bench, bedside, and within the community; and (2) to support a pipeline of collaborative cancer research pilot projects. Overall Impact: We are certain that the proposed CURED will enhance cancer research education capacity at TSU, augment the cancer research workforce, and improve BCM/DLDCCC’s effectiveness in developing and sustaining research programs that improve cancer health outcomes. We will develop sustainable research capacity leading to independent and collaborative applications to the NIH/other Federal/Non-federal agencies.
