Progress in cancer biology is driven by technological advances. We must ensure that our affiliated scientists have access to cutting-edge equipment. It is crucial in order to conquer cancers in our time. To acquire the latest equipment, we will make every effort to pursue opportunities that enable us to leverage contributions as “matching funds” in support of larger equipment grants.
Innovative research awards support pilot studies that are expected to lead to major new externally funded projects, and have a great potential to make a significant impact on our research success. The cancer center is not in a position to provide the central support for all cancer research at K-State. Extramural funding is critical.
The center supports the hiring of new junior faculty members. We would provide salaries for new faculty for periods of up to three years, after which the host department would assume this responsibility and the fund could then be applied to an entirely new hire. This would allow university departments to anticipate future openings (due to retirements and other natural attrition) and hire new faculty at an earlier date. The host department would be responsible for substantial start-up funds required to equip a laboratory and initiate a research program. Most importantly, the university would hire a new faculty member to do research in an area relevant to cancer, thus influencing the direction of future recruitment efforts and enhancing cancer research at K-State.
The state provides supplemental funding when donors give at least $500,000 for an endowed professorship or chair at one of the state regents institutions. The purpose of this Kansas Partnership for Faculty of Distinction program is to attract and retain the highest quality faculty in each respective department.