PROJECT SUMMARY This application is for continuation of the University of Michigan (U-M) Cancer Biostatistics Training Program (CBTP) that first began in 2002, for training in cancer biostatistics and epidemiology. During its 20 years so far, the program has supported 39 pre-doctoral trainees. 4 trainees who were active but supported by other funds, for a total of 43 trainees. The need for rigorously trained statistical scientists and data scientists in biomedical research is massive. This need is continuing to increase with the increase in the large and complex data sources, including high-throughput molecular technologies, mobile health, and electronic health record data, as well as the increase in personalized treatment and prevention approaches in cancer. The overarching goal of CBTP is to increase the work force in cancer research of a new generation of biostatisticians who are educated not only in the powerful quantitative methods of modern statistics and data science, but also in the biology and epidemiology of cancer, the current body of knowledge about the etiology of cancer, its detection, prevention, natural history, and treatment. CBTP will provide biostatisticians with the requisite scientific knowledge to understand current issues in cancer research, and training in statistical, data science and epidemiological techniques and research methodology related to cancer, and thus catalyzing their growth as future cancer researchers. The specific goals of CBTP are to give students who are obtaining a Ph.D. in Biostatistics or Epidemiology (i) a solid understanding of cancer biology, (ii) experience and ability to communicate and collaborate with cancer scientists, (iii) understanding of recent developments in cancer requiring innovative statistical research and (iv) independent research skills. We request support for five pre-doctoral trainees. The interdisciplinary program will enable the trainees to obtain knowledge and experience in an area of cancer research and to participate as a biostatistician in an active research program under the direction of a mentor in biostatistics and a cancer scientist. The cancer research experience will be facilitated by the Cancer Data Science Shared Resource at the U-M Rogel Cancer Center. In addition to the biostatistics courses, the trainees will be required to take courses in cancer epidemiology and biology. The strong programmatic activities include a specifically designed seminar course on biostatistical issues in cancer, a weekly lab meeting, a journal club, an annual retreat and orientation, visits to cancer research laboratories and meetings with invited visitors. The training program will draw students primarily from the Departments of Biostatistics and Epidemiology. Trainees will typically be supported by this grant for two years. CBTP is supported by 26 Primary Faculty from the Biostatistics and Epidemiology departments and 22 Affiliate Faculty from the U-M Rogel Cancer Center.