All Hands on Deck: Collaborating to Strengthen the Future of Our Cancer Research Workforce
Significant strides in cancer research are changing our nation’s outlook on cancer for the better. Doctors are increasingly able to diagnose some cancers at earlier and more treatable stages, and new therapies are helping many cancer patients live longer, fuller lives. (1,2) These remarkable developments would not be possible without a robust and thriving cancer research workforce—that is, a workforce of well-trained, competent researchers performing at their full capacity to advance cancer research. However, such a workforce depends on our nation’s ability to prepare every research professional to reach their potential, a responsibility that touches every corner of the cancer community.
Figure 1. Research trainees
In their recent report, President’s Cancer Panel members Dr. Mitchel Berger and Dr. Carol Brown made multiple recommendations to ensure a thriving cancer workforce. These recommendations included developing new collaborative models for cancer research training, as well as bolstering access to and awareness of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM) careers.
Historically, training that prepares researchers for careers in academia has been supported by federal training and research grants. Yet, over the last few decades, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies have increased their investment in cancer research, resulting in many trainees and early-career researchers following paths into private sector careers. However, employers outside of academia have not provided commensurate support for research training.
In the report, Drs. Berger and Brown offer two recommendations to address this shifting landscape. These represent some of the many actions that can be taken to ensure our country has a thriving cancer research workforce.
Create cross-sector partnerships to enhance cancer research training.
Each facet of the cancer community has its own unique strengths and resources that can be leveraged to enhance cancer research training. The Panel report calls for more active involvement of biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, professional societies, and trade organizations in research training. Joining forces through cross-sector training partnerships maximizes every stakeholder’s contribution and helps protect our scientific future.
These types of partnerships can take different forms. They can involve financial support, mentoring, and hands-on opportunities from different sectors to help academic research training programs prepare trainees for a broad set of careers. Through cross-sector collaboration, research programs can offer training that is better aligned with current workforce needs, equipping students with the skills and tools to succeed in today’s cancer research environment. Ultimately, investment in these programs can enrich our country’s scientific talent and help maintain momentum in life-saving cancer research.
The value of cross-sector partnerships can be seen through the success of programs like the Robert A. Winn Excellence in Clinical Trials Award Program, which prepares early-career physician–researchers to implement high-impact, community-led studies. The program has many partners, including professional organizations, pharmaceutical companies, federal research agencies, cancer centers, and academic institutions. The Winn program yields not only high satisfaction from awardees but also development of thoughtful, high-impact clinical trials and improved recruitment of participants from at-risk populations. (3,4)
Similarly, the PhRMA Foundation provides predoctoral and postdoctoral grants and fellowships to research trainees conducting work in academic labs. The foundation is sponsored by major pharmaceutical companies that also volunteer their employees to guide PhRMA’s programs. In 2024 alone, PhRMA awarded $3.8 million in grants. Award recipients work in areas including digital health technologies and drug discovery for cancer and other diseases. (5)
Create regional cross-sector partnerships to foster growth and development of the cancer care and research workforce.
While the need for a robust cancer workforce is global, many solutions arise locally. Regional partnerships among employers and the educational, professional, and government sectors can increase students’ and young professionals’ exposure to research careers and provide the funding and guidance required to pursue these careers. Programs developed through regional cross-sector partnerships enable strong hiring pools and candidates with the right training and education to support employer needs.
Health care organizations and industry stakeholders are well-served by making long-term investments in the workforce through programs that introduce students to STEMM careers. For example, Sanford Health is a rural health system headquartered in South Dakota. The company’s Aspire program offers opportunities for K–12 and undergraduate students including classroom visits, STEMM summer camps, lab tours, career coaching, internships, and college scholarships—all of which not only help students and trainees but also allow Sanford to build the workforce it needs to better serve America’s rural and remote communities. (6,7)
In these times of change and possibility, one thing is clear: the strongest way forward is together.