The University of Kentucky is launching a new training program to help reduce Kentucky’s burden of high cancer incidence and mortality rates, according to a recent press release. Addressing Rural cancer Inequities through Scientific Excellence (ARISE) is focused on preparing postdoctoral researchers to address cancer-related health disparities in Appalachian Kentucky. The program will be funded by a $764,000 grant from the National Cancer Institute.
“Appalachian residents suffer from some of the highest rates of cancer in the nation. ARISE is helping to meet the critical need for more researchers who can develop and implement evidence-based behavioral interventions effective at reducing the suffering, burdens and costs associated with high cancer mortality in Kentucky,” Nancy Schoenberg, PhD, University of Kentucky’s associate vice president for research, the Marion Pearsall Professor in the College of Medicine’s Department of Behavioral Science, and founding director of UK’s Center for Health Equity Transformation (CHET) said in a press release.
In an announcement about the program, the university said that over the next 5 years, ARISE will provide 10 postdoctoral researchers with extensive training, hands-on experience and connections to mentorship that will allow them to cultivate highly sought-after skills that will lead to successful careers in cancer researchers. The first cohort is planned for early 2022. Two additional trainees ill be recruited each year until 2026.
“ARISE will also complement other T32 training programs at the Markey Cancer Center. Two ongoing programs provide support for basic science and clinical research training,” said Mark Dignan, PhD, a professor in the College of Medicine’s Department of Internal Medicine and co-leader of the Cancer Prevention and Control Research Program at Markey Cancer Center. “Adding ARISE extends training opportunities from the bench to the bedside and now to the community.”
