A program to increase diversity in cancer research education for undergraduates
Official title: Cancer Undergraduate Research Education Program
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10935511 · Data updated 2026-11-12
The Cancer Undergraduate Research Education Program (CUREP) is a friendly summer internship for college students from underrepresented backgrounds, helping them gain hands-on experience in cancer research and providing support to inspire them to pursue careers in this important field.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | July 3, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $268,401 |
| NIH project number | 1R25CA291602-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10935511 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this program are undergraduate students from underrepresented groups, particularly first-generation college students and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergraduate students or who do not belong to underrepresented groups may not receive direct benefits from this program.
What this research studies
The Cancer Undergraduate Research Education Program (CUREP) aims to address the underrepresentation of Black Americans and economically disadvantaged groups in cancer research. This program offers a ten-week summer internship where selected undergraduate students from underrepresented groups will gain hands-on experience in cancer research. Participants will also receive professional development support to encourage their pursuit of careers in cancer research and coaching throughout the academic year to enhance their academic and life skills. By collaborating with historically Black universities, CUREP seeks to create a more diverse biomedical workforce.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase the representation of underrepresented groups in cancer research, leading to more inclusive and effective cancer treatments.
How similar studies have gone: Similar programs aimed at increasing diversity in medical and research fields have shown success in enhancing representation and improving educational outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Keku, Temitope O. — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Keku, Temitope O.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.