13 Background: The steady increase in cancer survivors supports the need for robust clinical and translational survivorship research. Yet, supportive environments and infrastructures to accelerate progress in survivorship research remains relatively limited. This abstract describes the implementation and initial outcomes of an institution’s unique approach to enhance their research capacity in survivorship science. Methods: An executive leadership team championed the formation of a research infrastructure based on the survivorship translational science model. Initial funding from a philanthropic foundation supported a doctoral prepared researcher and staff to provide administrative support. A 30-member Faculty Advisory Workgroup comprised of experts from different disciplines developed a conceptual and sustainability plan. Key components focused on seed money awards, trainee and professional education, and faculty development. Outcomes were measured in 5 groups: 1) seed money - number of $50,000 seed money grants awarded, external funding obtained, publications in peer-reviewed journals, and poster presentations, 2) professional and trainee educational events, i.e. number of symposia, grand rounds, trainees, participants, 3) number and type of faculty development events, and 5) infrastructure sustainability. Descriptive statistics summarize data. Results: Accomplishments achieved from 2011 – 2016 included a return on investment of a 16:1 ratio, 16 awards granted to new investigators totaling $953, 000, funding for 9 external awards resulting in a total of $15, 437, 441, 31 peer-reviewed publications, and 54 podium/oral presentations. Professional events included 8 professional symposia (784 and 325 posters), 6 institutional grand rounds, and 25 undergraduate trainees completed a research internship. Funding to sustain this program was recently awarded. Conclusions: This approach designed to build research capacity appears effective in supporting researchers in generating new evidence which can improve survivors’ outcomes.
Accomplishments of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory Seed Money program