NCI Launches the Intramural Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences (iCURE) Program!
, by CRCHD Staff
The NCI Intramural Research Program (IRP) and the NCI Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities (CRCHD) are pleased to announce the launch of the new Intramural Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences (iCURE) program!
Starting in Fall 2018, iCURE will bring post-baccalaureate (including post-master’s) individuals, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows into the NCI cancer research community. iCURE particularly encourages the participation of individuals from underrepresented populations, and aims to further NCI’s interest in diversity.
“The iCURE program has enormous potential for identifying and training outstanding scientists from underrepresented minorities,” stated Douglas R. Lowy, M.D., NCI Deputy Director, who has been a champion of the iCURE program from its inception.
iCURE is an extension of the NCI CRCHD Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences (CURE) program, which has for the past 21 years helped to promote the career progress of its trainees toward research independence, as well as foster and sustain diversity in the biomedical research pipeline.
“We are excited to expand the highly successful extramural CURE program into the intramural community. iCURE scholars will gain a valuable research experience and an understanding of how to navigate an NIH intramural research career path — and in the process, they will help enrich the intramural environment,” shared Sanya A. Springfield, Ph.D., CRCHD Director.
iCURE will enhance the diversity of the NCI Intramural Research Community.
iCURE will support mentored research experiences for qualified students and scientists in the multidisciplinary environment of the NCI campuses in Bethesda, Rockville, and Frederick, Maryland. Participants in the iCURE — iCURE scholars — will enjoy research opportunities in the NCI IRP, including the Center for Cancer Research (CCR) and the Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG). The IRP maintains a strong focus on rare cancers and cancers in underserved populations worldwide, as well as emerging scientific opportunities in cancer research.
“We are looking forward to welcoming a diverse group of highly talented iCURE students and post-docs to our laboratories. Diversity of thought and culture is essential for the innovative and creative environment we pride ourselves on in the NCI intramural program,” Tom Misteli, Ph.D., CCR Director said.
Each iCURE scholar will have the opportunity to work closely with world-class biomedical research scientists in the NCI IRP. iCURE will provide: one-year awards for and post-baccalaureate (including post-master’s) individuals, two-year awards for graduate students, and three-year awards for postdoctoral fellows.
The NCI IRP offers an unparalleled cancer research environment to train the next generation of researchers, with opportunities across the basic to clinical spectrum of cancer research.
iCURE will provide regular one-on-one contact with NCI Program Staff for the scholars and mentors, as well as information and resources on intramural and extramural funding opportunities. iCURE will also provide ample professional development activities, such as workshops, networking events and webinars, and iCURE scholars will enjoy an extensive and sustaining mentoring network. iCURE program activities will benefit both iCURE scholars and all students and scientists in the NCI IRP, ultimately enriching the NCI IRP environment.
For more information about iCURE and to learn how to apply, please visit the iCURE webpage. Prospective candidates may also contact iCURE@nih.gov with questions.