An analysis of the American Cancer Society Clinical Research Training program

In 1996 the American Cancer Society initiated a Clinical Research Training Grant for junior investigators. This was a 3-year mentored grant for preclinical and clinical research training. Two hundred four individuals applied from 103 institutions, and 25% were funded.

This report is an initial assessment of the impact of the program on future career development. Both the funded and unfunded groups were queried regarding prior research experience, publications, and academic status.

Although small differences were seen between the funded and unfunded groups, the major finding was that those applicants with prior research and publication experience were more likely to get funded, but both groups were highly motivated to seek an academic career.