Scholar Exchange and Training

Evaluating Research Training Outcomes: Experience from the Cancer Prevention Fellowship Program at the National Cancer Institute (June 2006)

The Consortium established the Scholar Exchange and Training Working Group (SE WG) to address the need for a more highly trained cadre of cancer professionals on the island of Ireland. Consortium- endorsed fellowships and basic/advanced training provide scientists involved in cancer research with the opportunity to tap into the cancer research programs of Ireland, Northern Ireland, and the United States. An NCI-based clinical trials training program and new e-learning modules offer the latest educational opportunities for oncology nurses. The two-year Joint Research Projects in Cancer (JRPC), launched by NCI and the Health Research Board in 2005, gives Island cancer researchers the opportunity to conduct collaborative research with U.S./Irish scientists for the benefit of both Ireland and the U.S.

Professor Mark Lawler is chair of the SE WG. Professor Lawler, former Director of Post-graduate Teaching and Learning in the School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, has a significant commitment to scholar exchange.

• To accelerate the development of skilled medical oncologists, research nurses, scientists, and other cancer professionals on the island of Ireland.
• To identify training opportunities that (1) demonstrate an identifiable long-term benefit that reflects the collaborative nature of the Consortium and (2) that present sustainable career development and progression upon completion.
• To advocate for island participation in the NCI Summer Curriculum in Cancer Prevention courses.
• To explore all available training opportunities, including long-distance learning such as videoconferencing and e-learning modules on CD-ROM.

Who funds our programs?

Funding for schemes under the auspices of the Ireland-Northern Ireland-National Cancer Institute Cancer Consortium are managed and administered by the Health Research Board of Ireland, by the Health and Social Care Research and Development Office in Northern Ireland, and by the National Cancer Institute in the United States. To be considered for funding, a training and/or fellowship program must be consistent with the three health department's' policies and strategic cancer plans. Projects must also demonstrate benefits to cancer care and research in the three jurisdictions or demonstrate potential for wider applicability.

How long are the fellowships and/or training courses?

Fellowships may last for up to three years and include the NCI Cancer Prevention Fellowship Program. Short-term (1 - 6 weeks) training courses are also available at NCI, including clinical trials training for nurses and the Summer Curriculum in Cancer Prevention courses. Opportunities also exist for U.S. scholars to study at designated sites on the island of Ireland through the Joint Research Projects in Cancer.

Where can you find more information?

Visit Fellowship & Training for information on our fellowship and training programs.