The Cancer Biology Training Consortium (CABTRAC) was established in 2005 to facilitate the exchange of ideas between individuals and institutions dedicated to the mission of training the next generation of cancer researchers. The consortium works closely with over 40 institutions within the US as well as the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Training Branch.

Our Vision

There should be a voice that represents the basic science/translational discipline of Cancer Biology

We must define the core elements of training in Cancer Biology and disseminate this information

We should engage in a dialog with the National Cancer Institute at all levels about the importance of the field of Cancer Biology to the National Cancer effort

We should support and learn from each other through meetings and support new Cancer Biology programs by providing data and organizational materials

Mission Statement

Cancer Biology is an interdisciplinary biomedical science that encompasses the experimental sciences and approaches including, but not limited to:  Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Epidemiology, Genetics, Immunology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Pathology and Physiology.  Cancer Biology also is closely allied to oncology - the clinical oncologic sciences - that are involved in human cancer prevention, detection, diagnosis and treatment.

The Cancer Biology Training Consortium involves leaders of pre-doctoral and post-doctoral research training, in addition to education, at institutions in the United States with the following common goals:  

Bring national scientific recognition to the existence of Cancer Biology as a critically important scientific discipline, albeit a highly interdisciplinary discipline

Sponsor both an annual forum and continuous effective communication of:

Research and educational opportunities for future pre-doctoral students, post-doctoral trainees, as well as of appointment opportunities at academic and non-academic institutions 

Experiences and concepts that will enhance each leader’s and institution’s pre- doctoral and/or post-doctoral:

Research training in the experimental science of Cancer Biology

Development of each trainee as an independent Cancer Biologist, whose long-term career goals encompass funded cancer research and/or cancer treatment, in addition to cancer education

Education in the experimental science of Cancer Biology, including but not limited to, didactic and non-didactic courses, and grant preparation

These aims are closely allied to the goals of the National Cancer Institute that provides funding for both individual and institutional pre-doctoral and or post-doctoral training grants that support fellowships.  Accomplishment of these aims will enhance the CABTRAC’s overall goal, the development of future Cancer Biologists committed to a career that will achieve solutions to the neoplastic process and/or to accomplishments in translational research.