RADIOBIOLOGY AND GENOME INTEGRITY RESEARCH PROGRAM PROGRAM CODE: RGI PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The Research Program in Radiobiology and Genome Integrity (RGI) is an interdisciplinary research effort exploring radiation biology, clinical and experimental tumor imaging, and basic science investigations into tumor mechanisms tied to DNA repair and the maintenance of genome integrity. RGI serves as Yale Cancer Center’s (YCC) engine for scientific discovery in radiobiology and genome integrity research. It is also closely aligned with the Developmental Therapeutics (DT) Research Program which facilitates the translation of these discoveries to the clinic. The goals of RGI are strategically aligned with the needs of the YCC catchment, spurred by our expanding interactions with YCC’s Center for Community Engagement and Health Equity (CEHE). Programmatic research naturally aligns with YCC priorities, and aims to: 1) Identify new strategies to improve the efficacy or delivery of radiation therapy and other DNA damaging agents; 2) Elucidate pathways in the etiology and treatment of cancer that impact genome integrity. Investigations into cancers with etiologies driven by excessive DNA damage (e.g., tobacco associated) or harboring DNA repair defects (e.g., BRCA mutations) are representative of investments in YCC high priority cancer targets and cross-cutting research focuses. RGI is composed of 35 members from 9 different departments within the Yale School of Medicine (YSM). Program members published 395 papers during this award period, 16% in high impact journals, with inter-programmatic (37%), intra-programmatic (29%), and intra- plus inter-programmatic (12%) collaborations demonstrating interactions among RGI members within the Program and across YCC. Funding for this program is robust, with total cancer-related funding of $10M (direct costs). This includes $7.5M in peer-reviewed funding, of which $3.5M is from the NCI. Program leaders Joseph Contessa and Megan King foster intra- and inter-programmatic interactions through YCC and RGI sponsored seminars, meetings, and funding opportunities to initiate and support research teams that cross-pollinate scientific ideas for translating novel findings in cancer research. Through our RGI liaisons to CEHE, we share a strategic plan, driving engagement of RGI members towards enhanced catchment and equity focused research priorities and facilitating dissemination of research findings back to communities served by the YCC. RGI furthers the mission of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) through participation and leadership in pipeline training programs to prepare the next generation of RGI scientists and physicians. RGI also partners with the Cancer Research, Education, and Training Core (CRTEC) to actively promote recruitment, retention, and success of scientists and clinicians at all career stages. Together the RGI Research Program provides the infrastructure to nucleate transdisciplinary scientifi...