Developmental Research Program and Career Development Program in the Prostate SPORE

Novel and important themes and observations both from clinical practice that requires laboratory investigation and from laboratory knowledge that requires clinical research are brought to the attention of the SPORE investigators and others at this institution. Critical review of SPORE projects, cores, developmental projects and mentorship of young investigators, both laboratory and clinical, also facilitate translational research at the Mayo Clinic.

The Developmental Research Program will encourage exploration of opportunities for innovative research. A significant effort is being made to support pilot projects that take maximum advantage of new research opportunities, applying flexible funding in support of studies of a limited duration. We anticipate that successful projects will compete for and replace full projects that are not progressing satisfactorily with regard to translational research objectives within the SPORE.

The Program is designed to develop innovative prostate cancer translational research. As such, it supports novel translational research projects or research projects with definite potential to provide a scientific base for future translational research. This program is of great importance to the success of the Prostate SPORE because it enables a proactive stance in identifying and supporting innovative hypothesis-driven research. The availability of this support also provides a stimulus for creativity in the research community, a vehicle for encouraging the interaction of basic scientists and translational investigators, and an opportunity for expanding the research spectrum of the SPORE by pursuing new leads based on discoveries and/or opportunities that arise.

To facilitate young investigators to establish independence in prostate cancer translational research, the Prostate SPORE Program includes a Career Development Program. The SPORE structure provides the ideal mechanism to focus and integrate the discovery efforts of investigators and to optimally utilize the clinical resources of the Mayo Clinic practice to continue to make meaningful advances in the management of prostate cancer.

The Career Development Program is designed to increase the translational investigator base in the Mayo Prostate SPORE by identifying and fostering the early careers of young investigators who have an interest in prostate cancer translational research. In particular, this program provides much needed support for promising young laboratory or clinical investigators early in their careers so that they can focus their energies on research projects related to prostate cancer research.

Career Development Awardees