Hands-on summer research programs at Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center

Abstract

Cancer treatment has improved dramatically over the last thirty years, with mortality rates dropping by 34% from 1991 to 2022. Continued innovations in cancer treatment require an energized workforce. To support workforce development in cancer research, the Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center initiated its first summer research program in 2002. Over the first 22 years of the program, more than 300 participants participated, averaging 14 per summer. The intent of our program participants is to continue careers in health-related fields, thus contributing positively to the program goals. This small, yet sustained program, initially funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences (CURE) training program, transformed into three nationally-funded programs: the NCI R25-funded Educational Pathways in Cancer Research (EPCR) and Summer Program for Academic Research in Cancer (SPARC) programs and an American Cancer Society (ACS) sponsored Center for Innovation in Cancer Research Training program. The programs aim to increase the number of biomedical science researchers with an emphasis on cancer research, with each program targeting subtly different learners. Here, we report the outcomes of the previous summer interns, the organizational structure of the new programs, and the early data on the latest expansion of the programs. While early programs focused on high school and early undergraduate students, these new programs add innovative opportunities to middle school students, high school science teachers, and medical students. These programs offer innovative educational opportunities for young learners to build skills and gain experience, offering interns the potential to excel, grow, and develop into impactful members of the biomedical workforce.