Annual Research Program Meetings

This year the UF Health Cancer Center held their first annual research program meetings. These retreats celebrate the research program’s previous year’s accomplishments, such as publications, grants and honors. These meetings also provide a space for leaders of the program to collaborate and stimulate transdisciplinary research opportunities and discuss the productivity and quality of cancer research within the programs. In addition, speakers at each event promote exciting research education and training activities. Finally, each of the events included a time of goal assessment and how the program’s work helps to accomplish the objectives set before the Cancer Center.

Cancer Populations Sciences Program Retreat

When: Aug. 29 | Noon — 6 p.m.
Where: Sweetwater Branch Inn

The Cancer Populations Sciences Program Retreat began with lunch at the quaint Sweetwater Branch Inn and greetings from Drs. Jonathan Licht, Janice Krieger, Diana Wilkie and Elizabeth Shenkman. The afternoon proceeded with information about cancer health disparities based on research conducted in the Cancer Center’s catchment area and a presentation on cancer informatics and eHealth. Shortly after, the meeting turned to the program’s three aims, which include:

Mechanisms Related to Symptoms, Treatment Toxicity, Cachexia/Muscle Wasting
Multilevel Interventions to Improve Cancer Outcomes
Novel Data Linkage Strategies, Tools and Methods for Conducting Cancer Research

The evening concluded with a workshop dedicated to the program’s specific aims and grant-planning roundtables.

Mechanisms of Oncogenesis Program Retreat

When: Sep. 4 | 9 a.m. — 6 p.m.
Where: Austin Cary Forest Campus Learning Center

The Mechanisms of Oncogenesis Program Retreat was held on Sep. 4, 2018 at the Austin Cary Forest Campus Learning Center. The meeting began with a continental breakfast and opening remarks from Drs. Jonathan Licht, Daohong Zhou and Rolf Renne. Three sessions followed on cancer-related topics, including Epigenetics and IncRNA, DNA repair and DNA tumor virology. The sessions comprised various speakers who were members of the program. There were several breaks throughout the day for refreshments and discussion.