On December 21, 2017, Science Magazine interviewed Norman “Ned” Sharpless, M.D. on the future of cancer research.
Recently appointed the Director of the National Cancer Institute of the National Institute of Health, Dr. Norman Sharpless was a 2003 Paul B. Beeson Emerging Leaders Career Development Award in Aging scholar and also has served on AFAR’s National Scientific Advisory Council from 2005-2011. Dr. Sharpless chaired the Selection Committee of the Glenn/AFAR Postdoctoral Program for Transnational Research on Aging program in 2015 and 2016.
Dr. Sharpless spoke about the future of cancer research in “New NCI director expects big data to revolutionize cancer research, care.” He believes artificial intelligence and machine learning will completely change cancer research. Later in the article, Dr. Sharpless states he is considering funding young investigators at the National Institute of Health.
“We realize there are intense pressures on young faculty to get data together before they can get their second grant and get tenure. I’m a little worried that young investigators are becoming demoralized. It’s a very tough funding environment. I want to send the message that we are very receptive to proposals from young investigators and we are committed to their success.”
In his role as NCI Director, Sharpless is considering how to add two years of grant funding for these early career researchers. The approval process would be based on whether they are continuing to make progress in their research.
Read the full article here.
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Dr. Norman Sharpless is the Director of the National Cancer Institute of the National Institute of Health. Before becoming the Director of the NCI, Dr. Sharpless directed the University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dr. Sharpless has also started two biotechnology companies: G1 Therapeutics and HealthSpan Diagnostics.
