Winship researcher Tyler Beyett, PhD, with Summer Scholars Research Program student Nishanth Basava.
In an article published in Nature Cancer, cancer education leaders outline challenges and opportunities in running successful research training programs. Lawrence Boise, PhD, associate director for education and training at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, co-authored the paper with national and international peers.
Cancer research requires advanced skills and a breadth of experience. While every institution is different, the authors suggest that certain best practices are universal across cancer research training programs: a clear rationale for the specific program; strong institutional support; robust data collection and analytic approaches; mechanisms to recruit and support a diverse and inclusive research workforce; and outreach activities that connect trainees with members of the community.
“With a tripartite mission of providing clinical care, conducting research and educating the current and future workforce, Winship Cancer Institute is committed to training cancer clinicians and researchers,” says Boise, who leads Winship’s Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination (CRTEC) core. “We have an important role to play in stimulating the interest and building the skills of the next generation of our biomedical workforce as well as providing continuing education for oncology professionals.”
To support the development of a pool of diverse, successful cancer researchers for the future, Winship’s CRTEC core coordinates training, career development and support for a broad spectrum of learners, from elementary school students to junior faculty. CRTEC’s responsibilities include overseeing Winship-initiated programs, such as the Summer Scholars Research Program, and partnering with existing programs, such as Emory University School of Medicine’s oncology residency and fellowship programs or the Laney Graduate School’s Summer Opportunities for Academic Research (LGS-SOAR) to create value-added cancer research experiences. Recent highlights include the launch of a new oncology nurse residency program, which graduated its first class in February 2024. CRTEC maintains a database to track outcomes and ensure that its programs meet specific goals and metrics for success.
For cancer research training leaders, it’s paramount to understand how to run successful programs and optimize the recruitment, education and retention of talented young scientists. These young scientists will contribute to the future of cancer research in ways that improve patient outcomes and benefit humankind.
Education and Training at Winship
Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University has a rich tradition of providing cancer education and research experiences for learners at all levels of development.