Some 250 faculty, staff and trainees attended UNC Lineberger’s annual scientific retreat at the Friday Center on Sept. 13. The day-long event featured 14 scientific presentations, a state of the cancer center overview from UNC Lineberger Director Shelley Earp, MD, and a talk on the cancer center’s future direction by incoming UNC Lineberger Executive Director Robert Ferris, MD, PhD, who will officially join the cancer center on Oct. 1.
The retreat showcased the wide-ranging impact of UNC Lineberger’s research in basic, translational and population sciences, enabling people to learn about advancements beyond their field of study or administrative responsibilities. It also offered opportunities for colleagues to connect during breaks and lunch.
“The cancer center is extraordinary in the breadth of its research,” Earp said. “The scientific retreat is important because it provides an opportunity for people to present their work to an audience from across the cancer center. It builds community and it helps everyone to see what makes us a terrific organization.”
Michael Emanuele, PhD, professor of pharmacology, said he attends the retreat to learn more broadly about the research led by UNC Lineberger faculty and to reconnect with colleagues.
“There are a lot of people at the retreat that I probably wouldn’t bump into or interact with on a day-to-day basis. Then you come here, and everybody listens to the same talks, sits down and has lunch together, and they drink coffee together,” Emanuele said. “You learn new stuff, which is great.”
Jennifer Smith, PhD, professor of epidemiology, said the retreat helps her appreciate how the cancer center has grown over the years.
“For me, it’s a way we can share our experiences, learn from each other and connect in person,” Smith said. “I’ve been at UNC for over 20 years, and you can see the evolution, for example, in how we’ve really expanded the community-based outreach work. You can see that the cancer center is growing.”
The retreat also fosters collaboration among colleagues. Emanuele recalled discussing his work with Scott Randell, PhD, a UNC Lineberger member and professor of cell biology and physiology, over coffee at the retreat two years ago. “Now we’re working on something together, and I’m on his student’s committee, contributing to their project,” Emanuele said.
The day concluded with Ferris sharing his thoughts on future opportunities and challenges for the cancer center.
He began by thanking Earp for his longstanding leadership and highlighting major accomplishments under his direction. Earp was visibly moved when he received a standing ovation.
Ferris briefly discussed his clinical and research background, his path to becoming director of the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, his leadership approach, and his vision for UNC Lineberger. “It’s going to be done in collaboration with all of you, so it’s going to be our vision,” Ferris emphasized. He also spoke about his values, including team science, creating opportunities for professional growth, mentoring, and having a bold vision.
“Think big. When you write a grant, it takes about the same amount of effort to write for $100 million as it does for a million dollars. So, if you don’t have a big vision, it’s not easier,” Ferris said, adding that the cancer center’s overarching goal should be to change scientific paradigms and advance clinical practice. “The things everybody does tomorrow should trace back to someone at Lineberger, from your ideas and collaborations.”
Earp, who will step down as the cancer center’s director at the end of September, will continue as a faculty member of UNC School of Medicine and the cancer center and to lead his lab at UNC Lineberger. He also will continue his service to external organizations, including as chair of the National Cancer Institute’s Board of Scientific Advisors.
The meeting’s full agenda is available online.
