SPORE grants bring together basic scientists and clinicians whose work seems a natural "fit," but who may not have collaborated much in the past.
Nurturing research and researchers
SPOREs include funds for small, pilot projects that haven't matured to the point where they attract major research grants; they also support the career development of young investigators interested in translational research. Other funds are earmarked for "core facilities," laboratories and technical services shared by SPORE members.
Without losing sight of a SPORE's primary purpose — the conversion of laboratory insights into new therapies and treatments — the program offers a subsidiary benefit to researchers, Iglehart says: it's fun. "The interchange of ideas among researchers in different disciplines is exciting to be a part of," he comments. "It's that kind of interaction from which future cures are made."
