For Immediate Release
July 12, 2007

BUFFALO, NY – Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) will provide a unique summer learning experience to young scientists and medical students for the 55^th consecutive year. “The Research Participation Program in Science for Young Scholars” is the longest continuously running program of its kind in the United States.

During June, 79 medical, physician assistant, undergraduate college and high school students from 8 states, China and Syria began working under the supervision of RPCI scientists and clinicians. Their research projects range from the basic science of cancer to studies on cancer prevention, detection and treatment. The program will conclude the week of August 6, when students will report their results in a poster session and oral presentation.  

Students will be exposed to an atmosphere of intensive research in which they can develop skills, habits and attitudes useful in scientific investigations and will have the opportunity to test their ability to work independently in an innovative way.

"Roswell Park continues to make an invaluable investment in the future by offering challenging training to future cancer researchers,” said Arthur Michalek, PhD, Dean and Senior Vice President of the Department of Educational Affairs. “The program helps to ensure that the next generation of well-trained scientists is prepared to tackle emerging questions in basic, clinical and behavioral cancer research. These educational opportunities provide a foundation for the future as we continue to tutor talented students to become cancer scientists able to meet the needs of the ever changing cancer research environment."

The Program, established in 1953, is supported by grants from the National Science Foundation and the National Cancer Institute. To participate, high school students must exhibit high achievement and commitment to the sciences, and college and medical students must have earned honors, equivalent grade point averages and be on a career path in biomedical sciences.

Roswell Park Cancer Institute, founded in 1898, is the nation’s first cancer research, treatment and education center and is the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in Upstate New York. RPCI is a member of the prestigious National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the nation’s leading cancer centers. Roswell Park has affiliate sites and collaborative programs in New York, Pennsylvania, and in China. For more information, visit RPCI’s website at www.roswellpark.org, call 1-877-ASK-RPCI (1-877-275-7724) or e-mail askrpci@roswellpark.org.

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