Programs > Research
Hundreds of scientists, students, and technicians in more than 50 K-State laboratories are unraveling the mysteries and complexities of cancer. Research efforts are aimed at finding answers to basic questions, like:
What are cancers and how do they develop in the body?What elements enhance or discourage cancer cell growth?What treatments appear to be most effective and why?
Examples of basic cancer research at the Johnson Cancer Center include:
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Discovering how cancer initiates and progresses
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Examining changes in the genetic information of cancer cells
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Understanding the role of viruses in cancer development
- Identifying substances that interfere with cancer cell growth
See the list of cancer center Affiliated Scientists for more details on specific research projects.
K-State cancer-related research is supported by the cancer center through the se award programs:
The Endowed Assistant Professorship in Cancer Biology supports the first three year's salary of a newly hired tenure-track assistant professor. The goal is to increase the number of K-State faculty members doing research in the area of cancer biology. The program encourages and allows for a department, in anticipation of an open faculty line, to hire earlier if willing to recruit a cancer scientist. For more information, see the award applications page.
Innovative Research Awards support "seed money" projects for faculty members who do not already enjoy extramural funding but intend to apply for future grants. application
Equipment Awards are granted to faculty members for the purchase of laboratory equipment and supplies. This application is available online.
Travel Fellowships assist faculty members to visit colleagues at other institutions for the purpose of learning new scientific techniques, which they in turn pass on to other K-State faculty and students. This helps K-State keep up with the latest technologies. This application is available online.
Cancer
research has also been supported in the following ways:
Testimony to the State Legislature has been provided by cancer center staff about research and training needs at K-State.
Fundraising efforts for improved facilities have resulted in the construction of Chalmers Hall, the new home of the cancer center's administrative headquarters and biology and biochemistry laboratories and offices. The cancer center continues to pursue donations that will provide state-of-the-art equipment necessary for research and training.
The Anti-Cancer Drug Development Laboratory was the first lab of its kind at K-State. Opened in 1980, thanks to a private fundraising campaign, this original lab is now joined by many others across campus in the quest for more knowledge about cancers.
