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research A point of pride: funding junior investigators A major point of pride for the American Cancer Society is our research program, which specifically focuses on providing grants to junior investigators. These researchers are heading up a lab for first time and have the ability to develop novel research ideas that are important to making cancer discoveries.  Because it is their first time in charge of a lab and there is a lack of public funding, these researchers tend to have the hardest time getting their projects funded. This is another reason why, unlike many other granting agencies, the American Cancer Society focuses on funding junior investigators. One recent junior investigator grant recipient is Dr. Lori Pile, PhD. Dr. Pile obtained a postdoctoral fellowship at the National Institutes of Health, where she worked in two different labs: the National Cancer Institute and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Services. Dr. Pile received a grant from the American Cancer Society for $665,000 that will continue through 2009 to conduct her research. Because cancer is an uncontrollable growth of abnormal cells, her research focuses on understanding cellular decisions that affect cell growth and how cells use energy. "Hopefully our research will contribute to the understanding of basic cellular function and will help us to understand where the problems can exist in cancer cells," Dr. Pile said. "We hope that it will help us to find new avenues to design therapeutics." Other American Cancer Society work After receiving her grant from the American Cancer Society, Dr. Pile has taken the time to discuss her research with others at various Society events. During speeches at the American Cancer Society events, including the Relay for Life Kickoff in Farmington Hills, Michigan, she spoke about her research and the funding process. "I have a real appreciation to get this money because it allows me to do my research," Dr. Pile said. "In some ways I feel obligated to give back and to explain to people where their money is going, but in no way is [speaking at events] a requirement." Grant Cycles The American Cancer Society continues to fund junior investigators with each new grant cycle. The next cycle, beginning on January 1, 2007, will give four new grants amounting to $1,883,000 in our local division. Along with these new grants, there are 25 grants that will remain in effect in the division that total $20,674,000. Through the money donated to the American Cancer Society, many discoveries are being made. To learn more about current research visit our Research Program and Funding page on www.cancer.org. Pictured above: Dr. Lori Pile | |
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