# Career Enhancement Program

> **NIH NIH P50** · UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR · 2020 · $151,998

## Abstract

CAREER ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM: Summary/Abstract
The goal of the Career Enhancement Program (CEP) is to develop highly trained, exceptional young
investigators dedicated to translational research in the early detection, prevention, and treatment of pancreatic
cancer (PDAC) and colorectal cancer (CRC). Ideally, these investigators will ultimately help to reduce the
morbidity and mortality from these diseases. The CEP will extend be available across both participating
institutions –MD Anderson and Johns Hopkins University, broadening the scope of expertise and mentorship
opportunities available to early career investigators. Underscoring the shared nature of our program, the CEP
will be led by Drs. Elizabeth Jaffee at Johns Hopkins and Dr, Scott Kopetz at MD Anderson, respectively. The
CEP will A) recruit and train physicians and basic scientists to enable them to become highly skilled translational
investigators in the field of PDAC or CRC B) provide specific knowledge of research in PDAC or CRC that will
enhance the ability of awardees to conduct innovative translational science that will directly impact on the
understanding and treatment of these diseases; and 3) re-direct individuals who have already shown
considerable scientific promise into PDAC or CRC research. To achieve this goal, the SPORE CEP will provide
up to five awards of $50,000 each annually for one year, with a competitive option for renewal for an additional
year, funded from the SPORE and matching funds from MD Anderson and Johns Hopkins. We will aggressively
recruit the most promising young investigators and institute an individualized development plan with clinical and
laboratory mentors and a mentoring committee that will provide coaching in grant and manuscript writing,
leadership training, networking with PDAC and CRC scholars (including key opinion leaders in concurrently
funded SPORE programs around the country), and completing and publishing translational PDAC or CRC related
manuscripts in high impact peer reviewed journals. The GI SPORE will utilize multiple programs inside and
outside of the Institute to identify outstanding young investigators with an emphasis placed on recruiting qualified
women and members of traditionally underrepresented groups. The CEP will also encourage and support
awardee presentations at national or international meetings. The ultimate deliverable of our CEP is to train and
cultivate the highest caliber of next generation translational research scientists in GI cancers.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9999490
- **Project number:** 5P50CA221707-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR
- **Principal Investigator:** Scott Kopetz
- **Activity code:** P50 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $151,998
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-08-20 → 2024-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9999490

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9999490, Career Enhancement Program (5P50CA221707-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9999490. Licensed CC0.

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