PROJECT SUMMARY An increase in the number of investigators who possess the research knowledge and training from the bench to the bedside is essential to our overarching goal of advancing translational research in head and neck cancer (HNC). This Career Enhancement Program (CEP) provides an outstanding structure and mechanism to cultivate the development of solid research careers for junior and mid-level faculty who strive to focus their careers on translational HNC research. The specific aim of the CEP is to provide scientists with essential training and career enhancement support to encourage the development of successful, independently funded translational research programs in the area of HNC. Our goal is to produce HNC scientists, including physician-scientists, who will meet the great need for innovation in methods to prevent and treat these devastating malignancies. The CEP will support up to three awardees at any given time, with one award for the CEP or DRP reserved for a member of an underrepresented minority group. Awardees will receive $50,000 per year for up to two years to support their research career enhancement activities in the area of HNC. The program has strong leadership, a wealth of expertise and resources, the option to embark on individualized clinical and scientific curricula, a strong pool of exceptional mentors, and well-defined processes for recruitment and assessment. The program will continue to foster the development of knowledge, skills, professional attitudes, and experience required for successful academic careers in HNC translational research. The past/current CEP award recipients have been highly successful in securing competitive extramural (NIH/DOD, n=10 grants) and intramural (n=7) grants.