# Training in the Molecular & Genetic Epidemiology of Cancer

> **NIH NIH T32** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · 2024 · $342,945

## Abstract

Abstract
This proposal is for a competitive renewal of a post-doctoral training program in Molecular & Genetic
Epidemiology of Cancer (MGEC). The current era of cancer research employs extraordinary tools for
understanding the genetic and environmental causes of carcinogenesis. Using these tools to their
fullest extent requires input from teams of scientists with a variety of backgrounds, including molecular
biology, oncology, medicine, genetics, epidemiology, and biostatistics. Individuals with multi-disciplinary
education across these fields are crucial to the success of such teams, as they can coordinate the
integrated work necessary to accomplish some of the most promising research. However, the focused
nature of most training opportunities provides limited opportunities for investigators to obtain knowledge
that bridges these disciplines. To address this issue, we propose renewing the current MGEC training
program from the current R25T mechanism to a T32 mechanism.
This program offers to exceptional postdoctoral candidates a set of instructional and research
opportunities that prepare them for careers as independent researchers in the interdisciplinary “field” of
molecular and genetic epidemiology. Mentors and research training opportunities will come from the
University of California, San Francisco and the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of
Research. This program is well-suited to the T32 grant mechanism because it trains scientists at the
intersection of multiple distinct fields. More specifically, the MGEC program blends together in a highly
interactive fashion a group of mentors and trainees with cancer research expertise in molecular biology,
genetics, epidemiology, and biostatistics. The program is defined by three main components: (1) a
specialized core curriculum covering key disciplines and their intersections; (2) additional educational
experiences to complement the research and educational backgrounds and interest of trainees; and (3)
focused research projects supervised by committed mentors. Each trainee will also be required to write
an NIH proposal as part of their career preparation. Previous trainees have shown great success in
developing independent research careers. Individuals trained in the MGEC program will have the skills
vital to furthering their careers in research to decipher the causes of cancer, ultimately providing
valuable knowledge regarding the prevention and treatment of this complex disease.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10898928
- **Project number:** 5T32CA112355-19
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
- **Principal Investigator:** Iona C Cheng
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $342,945
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2004-12-01 → 2026-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10898928

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10898928, Training in the Molecular & Genetic Epidemiology of Cancer (5T32CA112355-19). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10898928. Licensed CC0.

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