2/2 Collaborative Union for Cancer Research, Education, and Disparities (CURED)

CURED Overall Abstract Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center (DLDCCC) at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) and Texas Southern University (TSU) are jointly submitting a P20 application to build a collaborative partnership in cancer research, education, and outreach. DLDCCC is a National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated cancer center. TSU

is one of the nation’s largest Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) serving underserved populations and underrepresented students (ISUPSs). BCM and TSU have had several successful collaborations. This relationship was strengthened recently through TSU’s U54 “Center for Biomedical and

Minority Health Research”, where BCM faculty have partnered closely on collaborative cancer disparities community education and outreach. This P20 program provides an excellent opportunity for TSU and BCM to expand collaborations. We propose a BCM-TSU P20 program “Collaborative Union for Cancer Research,

Education and Disparities” (CURED) that will foster strong collaborations utilizing our complementary strengths. Overall objectives are to create a shared infrastructure that will provide an optimal environment for cancer research, education, community outreach, and career development and diversify the biomedical workforce.

CURED was established under the direction of senior leadership at each institution, reflected in the significant institutional support for this partnership. BCM has committed $160,000/year for four years in cost matching funds, $ 50,000 for Pilot project 2 for one year, and committed funds to support the training of TSU summer students

in the Cancer Research Education Program. TSU has committed to return the Indirect Cost allocation amounting to $98,000 each year. All TSU investigators are members of the DLDCCC. Leaders of each institution are thus committed to empower the P20 partnership to address cancer health disparities among URM and underserved

populations in Houston. Our goals are to (1) establish a collaborative alliance between BCM and TSU for cancer research, education, and community outreach. We will (a) establish CURED offices in both institutions that will provide coordination for relevant activities, evaluate progress of current projects, and ensure a pipeline of

innovative pilot projects; (b) centralize institutional resources for faculty/trainee research needs (c) lead a cancer research and career development program for TSU students that includes mentored cancer research, an educational curriculum, hands-on training in emerging technologies, and professional development; (d) build a

BCM/TSU comprehensive outreach program to address cancer disparities at the bench, bedside, and within the community; and (2) to support a pipeline of collaborative innovative cancer research pilot projects. Overall Impact: We are certain that the proposed CURED will enhance cancer research education capacity at

TSU, promote a diverse research workforce, and improve BCM/DLDCCC’s effectiveness in developing and sustaining research programs focused on cancer health disparities. We will develop sustainable research capacity leading to independent and collaborative applications to the NIH/other Federal/Non-federal agencies.