UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center Director Shelley Earp, MD, has been appointed chair of the National Cancer Institute Board of Scientific Advisors. Recommended for the position by former NCI Director Monica Bertagnolli, MD, last fall and confirmed by current NCI Director Kim Rathmell, MD, PhD, Earp assumed the role during the board’s March 2024 meeting.
The 24 member board is responsible for advising the NCI director and program leaders on research priorities conducted or supported by the institute. This includes advising on overall spending priorities and working specifically with NCI staff to evaluate potential requests for applications.
Earp, who is stepping down as the longstanding director of UNC Lineberger this summer, has twice served on the board, from 2002-2007 and again starting in 2021. His appointment as chair continues his commitment of service to external organizations and committees, including the NCI, the American Association for Cancer Research, the Association of American Cancer Institutes, the American Cancer Society, and the V Foundation for Cancer Research.