Developmental Research Program and Career Development Program in the Lymphoma SPORE

New ideas are continually emerging from clinical practice, which require further investigation in the laboratory. In addition, laboratory findings that need to be tested for clinical application are regularly developed. These ideas can be nurtured through the University of Iowa/Mayo Clinic (UI/MC) Lymphoma SPORE's developmental research and career development programs.

Led by Timothy Ratliff, Ph.D., (University of Iowa) and Stephen Russell, M.D., Ph.D., (Mayo Clinic), the Developmental Research Program exists to support innovative and scientifically-sound projects investigating any area pertaining to translational lymphoma research. One or two years of funding are provide in support of novel projects, with the long-term goal to translate the findings generated by developmental projects into a reduction in the incidence and mortality rates of lymphoma.

The primary objectives of the Developmental Research Program are to:

• Encourage innovative laboratory and translationally relevant clinical studies
• Foster extensive collaboration between basic science and clinical disciplines in translational research in lymphoma
• Encourage investigators to evaluate the potential of applying their research findings to translational research in lymphoma
• Generate new hypotheses to be tested in large-scale research projects or clinical trials that may lead to significant reduction of lymphoma incidence and mortality rates

Since inception, more than 20 different developmental research projects have been funded. Seven of these projects have received external, peer-reviewed National Cancer Institute funding. In addition, all four of the full projects of the renewed SPORE developed in part from contributions made by Developmental Research Projects. It is anticipated that support of developmental research projects will continue to result in the generation of new hypotheses that will be tested in full UI/MC SPORE-sponsored projects or through peer-reviewed, external grant support.

Complementing the Developmental Research Program's ability to support novel projects, the Career Development Program is designed to increase the translational investigator base in the UI/MC Lymphoma SPORE. Led by Raymond Hohl, M.D., Ph.D., (University of Iowa), and Scott Kaufmann, M.D., Ph.D., (Mayo Clinic), the Program accomplishes this by identifying and fostering the early careers of investigators who have an interest in lymphoma translational research. In particular, this program provides much needed support for promising young laboratory or clinical investigators early in their career so that they can focus their energies on research projects related to lymphoma. More experienced investigators with an interest in shifting their career goals towards translational lymphoma research are also eligible for career development awards. The provision of ample opportunities for training and career enhancement is a top priority of the University of Iowa and Mayo Clinic scientific communities.

The primary objectives of the Career Development Program are to:

• Train young investigators (senior postdoctoral fellows and young faculty) in translational, multidisciplinary clinical or basic lymphoma research that can be applied later to their careers
• Support more senior investigators who are interested in changing career focus to multidisciplinary translational lymphoma research
• Collaborate with investigators from other institutions who are interested in pursuing a research career in translational lymphoma research

The Career Development Program of the UI/MC continues to meet these objectives though a stringent candidate selection system and comprehensive trainee guidance by mentor and faculty, including establishment of an Individual Trainee Mentorship Committee comprised of faculty of the two Cancer Centers who have expertise in translational lymphoma research. Awardees are encouraged to participate in multi-disciplinary research courses, including Biostatistics and Clinical Trials Design and ongoing training such as the Multidisciplinary Cancer Seminar Series and Lymphoma Group meetings.

The work of the six awardees during the first grant period has led to the discovery of novel lymphoma-causing chromosomal translocations, potential new methods of antigen presentation, and new treatments that are now being tested in clinical trials.

• Career Development Awards
• Developmental Research Awards