Cancer Epidemiology Consortia

Definition of Cancer Epidemiology Consortia

The National Cancer Institute's (NCI) Epidemiology and Genomics Research Program (EGRP) defines a consortium in cancer epidemiology as follows:

An epidemiology consortium is a group of scientists from multiple institutions who have agreed to participate in cooperative research efforts involving, but not limited to, pooling of information from more than one study for the purpose of combined analyses and collaborative projects. The consortium group is able to address scientific questions that cannot be addressed otherwise through the efforts of a team of investigators at a single institution due to scope, resources, population size, and need for an interdisciplinary approach. The cooperation usually involves multiple projects over an extended period of time. Groups participating in a consortium may partner in the writing of research grant applications, but consortium activities are not limited to a specific grant/project.

The creation of a cancer epidemiology consortium is independent from NCI and NIH funding mechanisms. For sources of support, view our compilation of NCI and NIH funding opportunities that are relevant to cancer epidemiology.

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Value of Cancer Epidemiology Consortia

EGRP views consortia as providing unique opportunities to advance the field of multi-level and translational cancer epidemiology. Consortia can provide the large sample sizes needed to investigate rare cancers and cancer subtypes, as well as a forum for the planning of interdisciplinary studies and consequently expedite translation.

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Role of EGRP

EGRP is committed to fostering emerging national and international research consortia focused on interdisciplinary and translational research on common and rare cancers, from their initial stages through all phases of their development.

EGRP's role includes:

  • Advising investigators on the formation of new consortia, and especially on policies and processes related to funding, data sharing, and the like;
  • Facilitating, coordinating, and evaluating collaborations;
  • Participating on steering or executive committees or working groups; and
  • Publicizing consortia research results to promote scientific findings.

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List of Cancer Epidemiology Consortia

The list below provides links to information about research consortia that may be of interest to cancer epidemiologists. It is not an exhaustive list. Access to resources is dependent on procedures outlined for each individual consortium. Consortia interested in being included in this list should contact NCIEpiConsortia@mail.nih.gov.

Consortia by Cancer Category

Consortia Alphabetized

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Consortia Meetings

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) guidelines and policies for HHS and non-HHS-funded conferences and R13 conference grants apply to cancer epidemiology consortia meeting support. NCI encourages cancer epidemiology consortia to seek complementary sources of support for their meetings (e.g., from grants, non-profit organizations). For additional questions regarding meeting support for established or emerging consortia, please contact the EGRP Consortia Coordinator or the assigned EGRP Consortium Liaison (more details about contacts in consortia list above).

Information and materials for NCI-sponsored consortia meetings may be listed on EGRP's website, but internal review is required prior to posting on the site. Consortia meetings not sponsored by NCI generally cannot be included on EGRP's website unless a link can be included to an external website for the meeting.

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Contacts

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