# Training Program in Tumor Microenvironment

> **NIH NIH T32** · UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR · 2024 · $389,532

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
The Training Program in Tumor Microenvironment (TPTM) formerly Cancer Biology Training
Program (CBTP) at the University of Michigan, currently in its 30th year, is an interdisciplinary
program whose central goal is to train exceptional junior investigators to address fundamental
biological problems related to human cancer. The TPTM appoints four predoctoral and two
postdoctoral scholars annually for up to two years each, with independent research opportunities
focusing on a wide choice of topics in the field of cancer biology. In addition, the TPTM provides
these trainees with didactic coursework and programmatic activities, including retreats, visiting
speaker series, and research-in-progress seminars, that expose them to the depth and breadth
of cancer research across diverse disciplines. The TPTM draws its strength from: the participation
of 28 faculty members from 14 basic science and clinical departments and programs within the
University of Michigan; its association with the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center
(Rogel); and its involvement with the Program in Biomedical Sciences and Medical Scientist
Training Program, through which graduate students are recruited. Senior TPTM faculty are all
leaders in their respective fields and have outstanding track records of research productivity and
of mentoring young scientists. Junior TPTM faculty have demonstrated potential to develop into
future leaders and display a strong commitment to mentorship and training. Administrative
oversight of the TPTM will be performed by the PI/PDs, Drs. Castro and Difeo, in consultation
with associate director Dr. Canman and the TPTM steering committee. Ongoing evaluation of the
program and its leadership will be performed by the Rogel leadership, TPTM faculty members,
the external advisory board, and by the trainees themselves, especially in the first three years
following graduation from the program. Postdoctoral fellow appointees will have completed a
Ph.D. degree in one of the physical or biological sciences no more than two years prior to
appointment to the TPTM. M.D. and M.D./Ph.D. trainees with a clear commitment to pursuing
independent careers in academic cancer biology research will also be eligible for appointment.
Predoctoral students will comprise a subset of students in their second or third year of graduate
school who have been accepted into the Doctoral Program in Cancer Biology. All trainees will
have demonstrated a significant interest in pursuing a career in some aspect of cancer-related
research. Predoctoral trainees will be expected to graduate to outstanding postdoctoral positions,
while postdoctoral trainees should assume independent research positions in academia or
industry.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10934671
- **Project number:** 2T32CA009676-31A1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR
- **Principal Investigator:** Maria G Castro
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $389,532
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 1997-09-30 → 2029-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10934671

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10934671, Training Program in Tumor Microenvironment (2T32CA009676-31A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10934671. Licensed CC0.

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