Contact:
Anne E. Menkens, Ph.D.
Diagnostic Imaging Program
Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis
NCI
Telephone: (301) 496-9531
E-Mail: am187k@nih.gov

Objective of Project:
The objective of this initiative is to establish Molecular/Functional Imaging Centers (MFICs) for in vivo cancer imaging. Investigators within an MFIC will conduct multidisciplinary research requiring interaction between a wide range of scientific areas, including, but not limited to, imaging sciences, chemistry, radio-pharmaceutical chemistry, cellular biology, computer science, physics, and immunology. Such multidisciplinary Centers would stimulate and streamline molecular/functional cancer imaging research.

Description of Project:
MFICs are designed to provide institutions with an organizational structure, core facilities, resources for pilot projects, and training opportunities for research in molecular/functional oncologic imaging. Institutions will have the opportunity to apply for planning grants used to implement the activities necessary to eventually compete for a full MFIC, or they may apply to directly establish an MFIC.