Funding continues for cancer biology training program

Angie Rizzino, Ph.D.

The UNMC Cancer Biology Training Program (CBTP) recently was reviewed by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and received a priority score in the “outstanding range.”

For more than two decades, CBTP has served as an important vehicle for promoting the training of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in cancer biology,

Funding is expected to extend for another five years and a total cost of $1.7 million.

“This recognition is not only an important beacon for the recruitment of high quality graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, it also helps provide recognition of UNMC as a major center in the fight against cancer,” said Angie Rizzino, Ph.D., who has served as principal investigator on the grant since 2005. “NCI support for the Cancer Biology Training Program enhances the stature of the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center which has been supported continuously by a Cancer Center Support Grant from the NCI since the 1980s.”

Faculty from more than eight programs and departments — including the Eppley Institute, the College of Medicine, the College of Pharmacy and the College of Dentistry — participate in the program.

NCI support for the Cancer Biology Training Program provides far more than financial support. It provides national recognition for a program of excellence.

“This recognition is not only an important beacon for the recruitment of high quality graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, it also helps provide recognition of UNMC as a major center in the fight against cancer.” Angie Rizzino, Ph.D.

Dr. Rizzino, a professor at the Eppley Institute, oversaw the recent competitive renewal process. In addition, given the financial constraints placed on the National Institutes of Health over the past several years, continuous funding of this program speaks highly of its quality.

Much hard work has been invested by students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty to make the Cancer Biology Training Program one of excellence.

The Cancer Biology Training Program was initiated by Dr. Edward Bresnick, a former director of the Eppley Institute. After Dr. Bresnick left UNMC, Dr. Raymond Ruddon was the CBTP PI from 1990 until 1996. Dr. Barry Gold was the PI of the training grant for the next nine years with Dr. Rizzino, who has participated in the program since its inception, becoming the PI in 2005.