# Career Enhancement Program

> **NIH NIH P50** · UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR · 2024 · $90,132

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT (CAREER ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM)
The Career Enhancement Program (CEP) of the Molecularly Targeted Radiosensitization of Locally
Advanced Cancers SPORE at the University of Michigan seeks to identify and foster a trained and engaged
pool of investigators focused on studies of molecularly targeted radiosensitization. Translating basic
discoveries into clinical practice remains a major challenge to the implementation of many promising
funding mechanisms. Accordingly, our program strives to identify and mentor a diverse group of scientists
committed to engaging in this challenge. We firmly believe that progress in translational research is
dependent on supporting and enhancing early career development of investigators committed to make a
difference in cancer patients’ lives. The CEP identifies early career investigators who demonstrate excellent
progress towards achieving independence, as well as established investigators interested in transitioning
their research program to translation of radiation cancer biology to patient care, and senior investigators
with cancer research experience who desire to develop additional expertise in translational science.
Examples of the latter are basic science investigators who plan to test the translation of their studies first in
pre-clinical testing followed by clinical trials. Similarly, clinicians conducting clinical trials who plan to
develop novel approaches grounded in the laboratory but who do not have basic science expertise or a wet
lab in which to conduct necessary preclinical and correlative studies are also considered. A high priority of
the CEP is to identify, support and mentor members of groups traditionally under-represented in academic
health sciences. The SPORE will employ evidence-based practices to encourage proposals from faculty
who are members of groups traditionally under-represented, including women and those from under-
represented racial and ethnic groups, among others. In addition, the SPORE will develop relationships that
will enable identification and encourage proposals from groups traditionally underrepresented in academic
health sciences from nearby institutions that serve minority populations. SPORE leadership and
investigators will encourage best practices to ensure successful mentorship and career development of
participants. Mentoring teams will include experienced mentors who will also be provided with formal
training in both mentorship and sponsorship. The program will articulate clear expectations and goals for
career development and mentoring relationships. It will support participants’ professional development in
areas like clinical trial design and grant writing; it will also offer real-world opportunities for honing
presentation and networking skills in the SPORE annual retreats. The CEP curriculum will target skills in
areas like negotiation, work-life integration, and leadership development, encouraging peer mentorship in
addition to the other form...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10917052
- **Project number:** 5P50CA269022-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR
- **Principal Investigator:** Mats Ljungman
- **Activity code:** P50 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $90,132
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-08-14 → 2028-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10917052

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10917052, Career Enhancement Program (5P50CA269022-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10917052. Licensed CC0.

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