# Vanderbilt Training Program in Molecular and Genetic Epidemiology of Cancer

> **NIH NIH T32** · VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER · 2021 · $490,281

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
The rapid development and advancement of technologies and knowledge in molecular biology and genetics
have led to major breakthroughs in cancer etiology research. While the field of cancer epidemiology is moving
rapidly toward a new era in which interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary collaborative research is the central
theme, there is a severe shortage of scientists working at the interfaces of epidemiology, molecular biology,
and genetics. The Vanderbilt Training Program in Molecular and Genetic Epidemiology of Cancer (Vanderbilt-
MAGEC), launched in 2012 with NCI R25 funding, was designed to fill the gap with a goal of providing
postdoctoral fellows from a variety of disciplines with the methodological tools, practical laboratory and survey-
research knowledge, and hands-on research and grant writing experience necessary to launch an independent
career in the molecular and genetic epidemiology of cancer. The specific aims of the Vanderbilt MAGEC
program are: 1) To recruit exceptional, ethnically-diverse candidates with strong backgrounds in epidemiology,
genetics, and/or biology. 2) To deliver individualized didactic training tailored to complement each trainee's
prior training background and launch them into their desired career paths (molecular or genetic epidemiology
of cancer). This training consists of courses, seminars, studios, journal clubs, conferences and research grant
preparation. 3) To establish a multi-disciplinary mentor team for each trainee and integrate trainees into NCI-
funded cancer epidemiology research projects. 4) To evaluate the impact of the Vanderbilt MAGEC program
by tracking short- and long-term outcomes. Expected short-term outcomes for all trainees include publishing
high-quality papers in peer-reviewed journals and submitting a grant proposal to an internal or external funding
agency based on the NIH format. Long-term outcomes include cancer research career placements and NIH
grant funding. The MAGEC program, built upon an outstanding research and education training environment; a
pool of 26 excellent, well-funded researchers and educators; 66 ongoing, cutting-edge research projects;
exceptional data/biospecimen and population resources; and a rich history of interdisciplinary training, has met
with remarkable success during its first four grant years. A total of 9 fellows received or are currently receiving
MAGEC training; of these, two obtained tenure track positions at major universities; one received a K99R00
award; and five submitted a career development application (K22, K99R00, K01 and DP5) or an R03 grant.
MAGEC trainees contributed to 30 publications, 14 as first author. The program is mature and is in an excellent
position to transition into a T32 training program. The renewal program will support 6 post-doctoral fellows,
including 4 current fellows: one at Year 0, two at Year 1, and one each at Year 2, 3 and 4 levels. Expected
training duration for the MAGEC program is 3 years. Continued su...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10228658
- **Project number:** 5T32CA160056-11
- **Recipient organization:** VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** Xiao-Ou Shu
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $490,281
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2017-09-01 → 2023-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10228658

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10228658, Vanderbilt Training Program in Molecular and Genetic Epidemiology of Cancer (5T32CA160056-11). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10228658. Licensed CC0.

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