Cancer Molecular Imaging-- a Center proposal
Level - GradThe National Cancer Institute (NCI) has identified molecular imaging as an area with extraordinary opportunities (see http://www3.cancer.gov/initiatives/grp-image.html). To speed up technology development and its translation to clinical cancer care, NCI has issued a request for applications (FRA) to establish in-vivo cellular and molecular imaging centers at major research universities (see http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-CA-03-015.html). In response to this initiative, each proposal can request a maximum of $2 million direct costs per year for 5 years. Considering the engineering strength of Georgia Tech, the medical expertise of Emory, and also the financial stakes of $10 million direct costs and $5 million indirect costs, the Dean of Engineering (Georgia Tech) and the Dean of Medicine (Emory) have decided to explore the possibility of a joint Georgia Tech / Emory center for molecular cancer imaging. Because of your expertise in biomedical imaging, cancer detection, molecular biology, you have been asked to lead this effort and to prepare a preliminary proposal. To be competitive with other top engineering and medical schools, your preliminary proposal must contain a detailed research plan for each of the following areas: (a) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), (b) positron emission tomography (PET), (c) optical imaging, (d) new or emerging technologies, (e) clinical applications, and (f) training of next-generation engineers and physicians. You accept this important assignment and tell Deans Don Giddens and Tom Lawley that you will submit a written report and will make a presentation to the engineering and medical school faculty after Spring Break, tentatively scheduled at 10:00 am on March 17, 2003.