Contact:

H. Nelson Aguila, D.V.M.
Comprehensive Minority Biomedical Branch
Office of Centers, Training and Resources Office of the Director
National Cancer Institute
Telephone: (301) 496-7344
E-mail: ha60x@nih.gov

Objective of Project:

The purpose of this initiative is to implement comprehensive partnerships between Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) and NCI-designated Cancer Centers (or groups of centers) in cancer research, cancer training and cancer outreach (required components) and optional programs in cancer education that will achieve the following goals: (1) build and stabilize independent competitive cancer research capacity at the MSI; (2) improve the effectiveness of the NCI-designated Cancer Center activities specifically designed to address the cancer disparities in underserved racial and ethnic minorities and the socio-economically disadvantaged; (3) create stable, long-term collaborative relationships between the MSI and the Cancer Center in all areas of cancer research, training, education and outreach; and (4) export successful approaches and new models to all MSIs and NCI-designated Cancer Centers, as well as other key networks supported by the NCI (e.g., Cancer Genetics Network, Clinical Cooperative Groups, Early Detection Research Network, and the Community Networks to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities).

Partners must demonstrate that the specific objectives they wish to achieve within the first three general objectives above either are dependent upon the partnership for their eventual success or will be achieved faster because of the partnership and that they are willing to work with and share their approaches.

Description of Project:

The Comprehensive Minority Institutions/Cancer Center Partnership (U54) is a Cooperative Agreement that must focus predominantly on cancer research projects, cancer training and cancer outreach programs. The partnership must demonstrate mutual benefits to both MSI and Cancer Center and must demonstrate clearly that the application is based on previous comprehensive planning activities. Applicants are expected to conduct workshops and retreats designed to identify areas of greatest opportunity and utilize an Internal Advisory Committee (IAC) for reviewing pilot/full projects/programs, faculty recruitment, specialized resources and infrastructure. This system must be used as the basis for distributing funds. An external Program Steering Committee (PSC) dedicated to setting priorities, changing directions, and making recommendations based on an annual program evaluation must also be in place. Pilot and full projects/programs (requiring co-leaders, one from the MSI and one from the Cancer Center) must be initiated and career development and mentoring are required when needed. Pilot and full projects/programs would be limited to no more than three years of support and must be the basis for competitive grant applications (e.g., R03s, R21s, R01s, project on a P01s/P50s; T32s, R25Ts/Es, K12s, K01s, K08s, K22s, K23s and F31s) supported by the NCI or other equivalent funding agencies. The partnership would have the flexibility to discontinue projects and start new projects through its formalized planning and evaluation activities based on the regular evaluation of progress by the IAC and PSC and with NCI approval. Applicants are also expected to establish cooperative seminar series, courses etc.; identify ways to merge existing programs (e.g., research training and career development); begin recruiting faculty in areas of opportunity; begin developing resources and shared facilities that represent critical infrastructure in areas of opportunity.