[link to the announcement]
http://stephensoncancercenter.org/News/Article/TabId/6745/ArtMID/17400/ArticleID/5878/Stephenson-Cancer-Center-Earns-Prestigious-National-Cancer-Institute-Designation.aspx
There are about 3500 cancer centers in the US. But the NCI-designation status is given only to about 70 cancer centers that meet several criteria for excellence, such as extramural funding for research, activities in clinical trials, leadership in the community, etc. The designation places the Stephenson Cancer Center among top 2% elite cancer centers in the US.
I heard the news about a month ago internally, with some lecture on how difficult it was to get here. The standard for excellence was not exactly fixed goals, but they were like moving targets. The NCI raised bar on some occasions.
On 5/4 Friday they had celebration, distributing t-sheets and food truck vouchers.
I was working on re-submission process for a revised research manuscript and did not attend the celebration. But it was fine. I was happier when the revised manuscript went out.
Anyway, the NCI designation was a big deal for us and for the state. I am glad.
One of my projects has come to an interesting phase.
Scientific research is a unique job. It can transform current medicine and practices in the clinic. To think about the "future medicine" is exciting.
There are some different directions we can develop this project to. Time to do research, talk with potential collaborators, and think hard.
