The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University and the Harper Cancer Research Institute are pleased to announce a collaboration designed to catalyze interdisciplinary translational research.
This new partnership will expand on the Lurie Cancer Center’s Translational Bridge Program, established to foster the transformation of basic science research into clinical advancements, and provide translationally-focused research opportunities for a select group of post-doctoral fellows within the Harper Cancer Research Institute’s (HCRI) Interdisciplinary Interface Training Program (IITP).
The Translational Bridge Program awards funds for investigators to support research fellows in their laboratories for one year. Under the co-mentorship of the investigators and a partnering clinician, bridge fellows design and execute a translational project targeting a specific cancer type. The ultimate goal of the fellow’s work is to propel laboratory research into investigator-initiated clinical trials.
The new collaboration builds upon this effort by providing the structure for an investigator affiliated with the HCRI and a partnering Lurie Cancer Center clinician to co-mentor a Bridge Fellow. By facilitating close communication and cooperation between our institutions, this initiative will provide a valuable new opportunity to develop and apply novel research methods, tools and technologies to improve treatment and impact outcomes for patients with cancer.
“This unique partnership will further advance the exciting work of our Translational Bridge Program and extend the ability of both institutions to translate discoveries into more effective treatments,” says Leonidas Platanias, MD, PhD, director of the Lurie Cancer Center. “We are excited to expand the training opportunities for our IITP fellows to include a translationally-focused research experience with the outstanding clinical faculty at the Lurie Cancer Center,“ notes M. Sharon Stack, PhD, director of the HCRI. “Through participation in the Translational Bridge Program IITP fellows will directly experience how basic research can ultimately impact patient care.”
Originally published by at harpercancer.nd.edu on November 07, 2019.