Cancer is a complex disease driven by multiple molecular, cellular, and tissue-level interactions. Application of new and emerging technologies, especially those focused on understanding temporal and spatial relationships, is imperative for discovery of new prevention and treatment modalities. The NIH National Cancer Institute supports several funding opportunities that facilitate development and application of experimental and analytical technologies. Dr. Hughes’ webinar will provide examples of current technology programs and funding initiatives, as well as tips for finding and applying to NIH funding announcements. 

2025 BDSIL Mentor, Dr. Shannon Hughes is the Deputy Director of Division of Cancer Biology (DCB) at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) where she helps to oversee the NCI’s fundamental cancer biology portfolio. She also promotes emerging scientific areas and a diverse cancer research workforce to advance progress in cancer biology. Dr. Hughes' interest in cancer systems biology and physical oncology stems from her background in applying chemical and biomedical engineering principles to investigate cell signaling pathways involved in cell migration, invasion, and cancer metastasis.