This workshop proposal is of high importance to raise awareness of latest advances in breast cancer research and advance more integrated research across disciplines and among interested individuals in this field such as medicine, engineering, and nano-technology. The PIs are well qualified to plan and implement this workshop at a high level of proficiency and professionalism. The plan for the workshop is well organized and thought of including guest speakers, and activities with keynote speakers. This would be more rigorous than the current plan. The workshop outcomes are very comprehensive and well presented, with evaluation plan to cover outcomes as well as integrating diverse research ideas and approaches to advance breast cancer research.
Based on the American cancer society, one out of eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her life time. The National Science Foundation funded Magda El-Shenawee (PI) and Carol Gattis (Co-PI) to organize a workshop that focused on the integration of diverse scientific backgrounds on breast cancer. The 2010 Advances in Breast Cancer Research Workshop was held on October 26-29, 2010 at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. Several participants were selected based on their credentials and interest to conduct research on breast cancer. The participants had the opportunity to attend the workshop and to discuss the challenges that face breast cancer detection and treatment. The participants were scientists with diverse background mainly in medical sciences, engineering, and science. Ten prominent breast cancer researchers presented their cutting-edge research to the rest of participants, while all participants had the chance to present their research in poster sessions. Two online surveys were conducted by the workshop organizers seeking feedback from all participants and speakers. The main outcomes of the workshop were first the successful initiation of collaboration between engineering and medical scientists aiming to advance the research on breast cancer. Secondly, the workshop helped several participating researchers to share their knowledge of all scientific aspects of breast cancer. The hope of researchers is to cure and eliminate breast cancer, one day soon.
