EGRP News Flash - September 29, 2011
EGRP Changes its Name to Epidemiology and Genomics Research Program
The National Cancer Institute's (NCI) Epidemiology and Genetics Research Program (EGRP) is changing its name to the Epidemiology and Genomics Research Program (EGRP) effective October 1, 2011 to better encompass the full spectrum of supported research. Genomics is the study of the whole genome of an organism, including sequence variation, transcription, translational products as well as interactions.
"The name change reflects the more encompassing term of genomics and the direction in which the field is expanding opportunities for epidemiologic research," said Muin J. Khoury, M.D., Ph.D., Acting Associate Director of EGRP. "Genomics has the potential to enrich epidemiologic methods throughout the continuum from study design to analysis and inference. The name change also better reflects the Program's efforts to implement a robust scientific agenda that spans discovery through translational research to benefit public health."
The names of EGRP's four branches remain unchanged, reflecting the scope of research supported by the Program:
- Clinical and Translational Epidemiology Branch – which focuses on etiologic and genomic factors that influence cancer progression, recurrence, survival, and other treatment outcomes, and factors associated with cancer development among individuals with underlying diseases and conditions.
- Host Susceptibility Factors Branch – which focuses on factors that influence personal susceptibility to cancer in humans, such as genetic, epigenetic, immunological, hormonal, and biological pathways; and social, cultural, racial, and ethnic factors.
- Methods and Technologies Branch – which focuses on methods for epidemiologic data collection, study design and analysis, and development and adaptation of laboratory and technical approaches for large studies in human populations.
- Modifiable Risk Factors Branch – which focuses on factors to reduce cancer risk in humans, including exposures to nutritional components; physical activity and energy balance; alcohol and tobacco; and infectious, physical, and chemical agents.