): The broad objective of this program is to increase the scientific knowledge base and participation of faculty from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU's) in cancer research. To help accomplish this goal, the proposed HBCU Faculty Award program will provide travel and subsistence funds to support the attendance of meritorious faculty members from eligible institutions at annual meetings or special conferences on more focused scientific topics of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR). While faculty at HBCU's frequently mount effective research programs, travel funds are extremely limited, and funds that are available must often be used for regional or other specialized meetings. In addition to increasing their knowledge of oncology, attendance at AACR meetings will also enable these faculty members to present the results of their research before national audiences, facilitate their interaction with other scientists, and in general enhance the visibility and the national and international standing of minority researchers. Applications will be solicited by giving the program intensive publicity. These applications will be reviewed by an AACR Faculty Award Committee comprised of the Principal Investigator and distinguished members of the AACR. Awardees will receive stipends to cover registration, housing, and subsistence expenses, and will be reimbursed for their travel costs. This HBCU Faculty Award program will complement the existing AACR Minority Scholar in Cancer Research Program, which is targeted to students and those in training. In this way, it will also contribute to addressing the problem of the under-representation of minorities among those working in cancer research and biomedical science. Increased visibility of HBCU faculty members in cancer research will strengthen their vital role as mentors, encouraging minority students and trainees to become the cancer researchers of tomorrow.
