NCI Lecture Series Features Dr. Napoleone Ferrara

Dr. Napoleone Ferrara

NCI’s Center for Cancer Research (CCR) recently launched its “Eminent Lecture Series,” a collection of presentations by prominent scientists around the country who work in cutting-edge research areas and come to NIH to stimulate a scientific exchange of ideas. 

Dr. Napoleone Ferrara, a fellow at Genentech, Inc., will present the series’ next lecture on February 23 at 3:00 p.m. in Lipsett Amphitheater on the NIH campus in Bethesda. The title of Dr. Ferrara’s talk is “Novel Insights on the Regulation of Angiogenesis by VEGF-A and other Mediators.” Dr. Ferrara was the recipient of the American Society of Clinical Oncology 2007 Science of Oncology Award for his groundbreaking research, including being the first to identify the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein, a major regulator of angiogenesis. The lecture series is free and open to the public.

Bridge Awards Available from SBIR

The deadline for applications to NCI’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II Bridge Award program is February 27.

The Bridge Award will support small businesses that seek additional NIH funding for projects applicable to cancer therapies and cancer imaging technologies, bridging the gap between the end of the SBIR Phase II award and commercialization.

More information on the award and how to apply is available online.

NCAB Convenes Its First Meeting of 2009

The National Cancer Advisory Board’s (NCAB) first meeting of the year was held at the NIH campus on February 3 and 4. In addition to NCI Director Dr. John Niederhuber’s update on the NCI budget and the recent Executive Committee Scientific Retreat, NCAB members heard presentations on a variety of issues, including ways to enhance peer review, the implementation of recommendations from the Clinical Trials and Translational Research Working Groups, and an update on NCI’s tobacco control efforts and activities.

Another highlight of the meeting was a presentation by Lenora Johnson, director of NCI’s Office of Communications and Education (OCE). Ms. Johnson briefed the board on OCE’s organizational structure and vision for moving forward on a variety of fronts, including social media, multiplex communications, and partnerships and outreach.

A full copy of the meeting agenda and a videocast of the 2-day meeting can be viewed online.