The UF Health Cancer Center is moving forward with its goal of attaining the status of designation by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI-designation is only bestowed on institutions that demonstrate they possess a critical mass of cancer-relevant scientific, clinical and population-based research, as well as the ability to translate research findings into clinical applications. Therefore, the center recently updated its membership policy in an effort to stimulate a more inclusive research community.

There are currently 217 members of the center located in 11 of the 16 UF colleges. This demonstrates our reach throughout the institution. UFHCC leadership actively seek out and identify individuals within the broad UF research community whose research and/or patient care activities are relevant to cancer and to encourage them to apply for membership.

If you have questions or concerns about the new UFHCC membership policy and/or application process, please email ResearchAdmin@cancer.ufl.edu.

Based on research interests, all UFHCC members are encouraged to actively participate in one of three UFHCC research programs: Mechanisms of Oncogenesis (MOO); Cancer Therapeutics and Host Response (CTHR); and Cancer Population Sciences (CPS). Being a member of the center provides many benefits that include not only access to program meetings, but also:

• Access to UFHCC Research Pilot programs
  • UFHCC twice annual traditional Pilot program
  • UFHCC Special Call Announcements
• Access to UFHCC Research Program Pilot program
• Access to UFHCC Bridge Award program
• Access to Florida Consortium of National Cancer Institute (NCI) Centers Program funding opportunities
• Participation with disease site-specific clinical practice and research teams
• Clinical trials management services
• Collaborative funding opportunities
• LOI, grant and publication support
• Scientific Enrichment and Scholastic opportunities:
  • UFHCC Oncology Grand Rounds
  • “Topics in Cancer,” basic science lecture series
  • General membership retreats and symposia
• Community engagement opportunities

In return, the center asks its members to be responsible by actively participating in cancer-focused research and collaborating with other Center members. On occasion, members are asked to serve on committees or scientifically lead a UFHCC shared resource. For the center to promote scientific discoveries and research successes, it is asked that members submit their biosketch annually and notify UFHCC Communications office of awarded grants and updates on publications.