Stanford Cancer Research Education Program (SCREP)

Despite tremendous advances in cancer detection, diagnosis and treatment, many gaps remain, and cancer continues to be a chronic disease and the second leading cause of death in the US. To further advance the health and longevity of all Americans, it is of paramount importance to train the next generation of biomedical scientists by providing the high-quality research experiences and mentorship. Studies suggest that undergraduate research experiences can support trainee career development to pursue research careers.  The goal of this new R25 program, Stanford’s Cancer Research Education Program (SCREP) is to provide necessary research experiences to undergraduate trainees enabling them to persist in STEM fields by cultivating a scientific identity by building their confidence in their ability to succeed in cancer research setting.  SCREP will provide undergraduate trainees with the opportunity to actively engage in cancer relevant research within the stellar scientific and educational environment at Stanford University and the mentors from the Stanford Cancer Institute (SCI). The SCREP is a fully funded 10-week summer cancer research program, during which undergraduate trainees will work in cancer laboratories of the SCI and receive training in a wide range of cancer research concepts and techniques combined with curated programming that includes career and research seminars, skill building workshops and social events to complement the research components of the program. Trainees will be provided with a multi-layered supportive ecosystem where Mentors, Program Administrator and a Peer Mentor will provide individualized support. Another layer of support will be provided through leveraging existing Stanford University Resources and career enhancement partnership programs to ensure trainees continue their profession growth. This supportive ecosystem that SCREP provides is intended to help undergraduates trainees cultivate a scientific identity by building their confidence in their ability to succeed in cancer research setting. Together, SCREP will create research and career development opportunities for all undergraduates to explore, experience and pursue cancer research and careers in medicine. SCREP’s impact and effectiveness will be measured longitudinally by tracking trainees’ persistence in STEM, level of confidence in their abilities, and educational and career trajectories post program. The program ultimately supports the National Cancer Plan to develop future biomedical scientists in cancer research and clinical care workforce. Project Number: 1R25CA298910-01A1 | Fiscal Year: 2026 | NIH Institute/Center: National Cancer Institute (NCI) | Principal Investigator: JAMES FORD | Institution: STANFORD UNIVERSITY, STANFORD, CA | Award Amount: $140,670 | Activity Code: R25 | Study Section: Special Emphasis Panel[ZRG1 BTC-Z (80)] View on NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11264575