The NYU Cancer Institute recognizes that a productive cancer center is dedicated to meeting both scientific objectives and clinical needs of patients, which requires the full participation of both basic and clinical investigators, practicing physicians, and other healthcare providers. A critical component of the NYUCI is the Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG), which is focused on establishing scientific programs whose objectives seek to understand the origins of human cancer at a most fundamental level, and to use this information to prevent, treat, and/or ease the burden of cancer. CCSG members are therefore expected to contribute directly to meeting the scientific objectives of the NYUCI. 

Member Benefits

The benefits of membership are substantial, and the National Cancer Institute designation increases the visibility of individual members. Specific benefits include:

1. access to collaborative scientific research programs and disease management groups.
2. priority for NYUCI shared resources
3. access to apply for developmental pilot funds, administrative support, and clinical trials resources.
4. eligibility for space controlled by the NYUCI.
5. notification of all NYUCI-sponsored seminars and meetings
6. listing on the NYUCI Website 

Membership Responsibilities

CCSG membership is granted initially based on the member’s potential to contribute directly to meeting the scientific objectives of CCSG programs. Ongoing membership is granted based on tangible contributions. Important measures of successful contribution to the CCSG by members include the conduct of cancer-focused basic laboratory investigation; correlative biology studies linking laboratory evaluation of human tumors with clinical outcome variables; the design of innovative therapeutic protocols based on insights developed in the laboratory; population-based studies designed to determine risk and/or assessing prevention approaches; and studies dedicated to understanding barriers to effective cancer care.

Therefore, obligations of membership include:

1. active collaboration in basic, translational, or clinical research of the NYUCI
2. participation in Disease Group meetings (see description below) designed to optimize patient care and promote clinical/translational cancer research
3. regular involvement in educational activities of the NYUCI
4. joining NYUCI members in enhancing the visibility of the NYUCI.

Another very important measure of success of the CCSG includes inter-programmatic and intra-programmatic collaborations. Each program strives to enhance this goal through regular program meetings, seminars, and retreats that bring together investigators with shared interests as well as complementary experiences and strengths. Members are expected to participate actively in these activities. Some hallmarks of success in creating a highly interactive environment include:

1. co-authorship on publications
2. the development of clinical protocols evaluating promising new therapeutic approaches developed in NYUCI laboratories
3. submission and granting of SPORE, Program Project, and Training Grants.