Fall 2005 Newsletter:
A New Way in Cancer Research III.

Don Michael Randel
President
The University of Chicago

For nearly six decades, the Cancer Research Foundation has been an unwavering partner to the University, influencing our approach to basic and translational cancer research, encouraging our young scientists to pursue research early in their careers, and stimulating our leaders to break into new areas of science and medicine. I am most grateful for the Foundation's steadfast commitment to our efforts. The Foundation's investments, like the innovations they have stimulated, have brought a greater strength to our institution, our scientists, and the care that cancer patients receive around the globe.

The University of Chicago is a place where nothing less than the highest standard of thinking is tolerated. This applies equally to the analysis of great works of literature and to the research of complex diseases like cancer. The Cancer Research Foundation has invested in this very concept by funding our intellectual leaders and most precious commodities - our faculty, young investigators, and students - at the most critical times in their careers.

The Bernice Goldblatt Fellowship enables first-year Cancer Biology students to begin their training with a solid base of support. The Cancer Research Foundation Young Investigator Award Program has provided critical support for our junior scientists, enabling dozens of rising stars to pursue careers in academics and contribute to the study of cancer treatment and prevention. A number of special projects, including early support for MR technology, seed funding for advancing research in nanotechnology and pediatric pharmacogenetics, and most recently, the initiative in GI cancer prevention and control, speak to the Foundation's commitment to advancing new science.

There are many outcomes of these important gifts to celebrate. No single scientist or era can claim all of the credit for them, however, as year after year the Foundation has funded innovation, thoughtfully choosing funding recipients and consistently choosing the University's very best students, young investigators, and senior faculty to support.

The relationship between philanthropy and science is powerful, and funding from organizations like the Cancer Research Foundation will continue to be essential to conducting modern cancer research.

Allocated wisely, such funding ensures that institutions like ours can continue to make discoveries, lead science in new directions, and establish improved standards of care. I thank the Foundation and its many contributors for their leadership in cancer research and their ongoing dedication to nurturing young talent and new ideas. Our institution has had much to gain from its partnership with the Cancer Research Foundation, and we shall certainly look forward to its continued support in the years ahead.