Ten years of inspiring future cancer physicians and researchers

The University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center (UCCCC) is celebrating 10 years of exceptional research training programs for high school students, college students, and middle and high school science educators. The anniversary coincides with the UCCCC’s celebration of 50 years as a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated center.

In 2014, the UCCCC launched its first pathway program to introduce high school and college students to the field of cancer research and increase diversity within the cancer research workforce. A decade later, the UCCCC now offers a robust collection of programs to deepen trainees’ knowledge of cancer science, broaden their awareness of careers in the field, and build relationships with leaders in the scientific community who are unraveling cancer’s mysteries.

At the core of all programs is an immersive cancer research experience, culminating in a symposium where the trainees showcase their findings through poster sessions and presentations.

The UCCCC hosted its 10th Annual Summer Research Symposium on Friday, August 2, 2024, on the University of Chicago campus. Trainees, alumni, their families, faculty mentors and research teams were joined by two special guests: NCI Director W. Kimryn Rathmell, MD, PhD, MMHC, and U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL).

Rathmell, a renowned kidney cancer physician-scientist, was appointed by President Joe Biden as the 17th NCI director on December 18, 2023. She previously led the Vanderbilt University Medical Center as physician-in-chief and chair of the Department of Medicine. Early in her career, she completed an internal medicine internship at the University of Chicago.

During her visit, Rathmell met with cancer center leadership, faculty and students. She also delivered the keynote address, in which she highlighted national cancer priorities and encouraged aspiring scientists and clinicians to focus their talents on cancer.

Senator Durbin is a longtime supporter and passionate advocate for cancer research in Illinois and the United States. He was a lead on the American Cures Act to provide sustained national investment in biomedical research. He recently received the Cancer Research Ally Award from the Association of American Cancer Institutes.

During his visit, Durbin met with trainees to review their research posters. He also delivered remarks, in which he described cancer’s profound impact on his personal life and encouraged trainees to continue their pursuit of careers in cancer research and care.

Since their inception, the UCCCC’s pathway programs have served over 300 young people, many of them from diverse communities surrounding UChicago’s campus. A majority of program alumni remain committed to careers in research and medicine. The programs’ success has established the UCCCC as a national leader in cancer education and training.