The National Cancer Institute has awarded UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center a two-year merit extension of its Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG). This notable honor is only available to cancer centers that earn two consecutive “exceptional” ratings – the highest possible designation – following an NCI CCSG review.
UNC Lineberger exceeded the criteria, achieving three consecutive “exceptional” ratings (2010, 2015 and 2020). With the merit extension, UNC Lineberger will undergo its next NCI comprehensive review in 2027.
The CCSG yearly funding, totaling nearly $8 million, supports multiple types of cancer research and outreach to communities across North Carolina to enhance prevention, early detection, therapeutic innovation and access to care for patients and families.
“Earning a merit extension is a wonderful and well-deserved honor for our cancer center and the broader university,” said UNC Lineberger Director Shelley Earp, MD. “Our mission, to prevent cancer and improve the lives of North Carolinians through high-impact research, compassionate care and service, clearly aligns with the NCI’s larger mission. Our faculty’s ability to harness the potential and talent at a great public university and its associated health care system is amazing and is responsible for this recognition of excellence.”
Earp, who has been associated with the cancer center for its nearly 50-year history, will step down as director and return to the faculty this fall. He is particularly pleased the merit extension will provide his successor, Robert Ferris, MD, PhD, who becomes UNC Lineberger’s executive director on Oct. 1, with more time to prepare for the next renewal.
“UNC School of Medicine Dean Wesley Burks, our leadership and the university attracted a fabulous new director who brings experience as a cancer center director, stellar cancer immunologist, practicing oncologist and a UNC graduate to a thriving cancer research and care community,” Earp said. “Bob is well known for his great energy and many achievements, and the merit extension will give him and his team the time to present UNC Lineberger in the optimal light.”