This CoBRE Phase III application aims to continue support for the Center for Cancer Biology Research (CCBR) which has established a strong research program within Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD. The original mission of the CCBR was to establish and grow cancer research with a focus on basic and translational activities. During Phase I CoBRE funding, the CCBR was established with five Project Leaders. Importantly, critical infrastructure, in the form of Scientific Cores, was developed and a Pilot Grant Program was initiated. The success of Phase I was marked by attainment of R01 level funding by Project Leaders who graduated from CoBRE funding and remain successful to this day. In addition, Project Leaders published important scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals and the Scientific Core functions began expanding as did their expertise. The power of the Pilot Grant program was demonstrated by scientific publications and obtaining of funding by awardees. These milestones enabled the awarding of CoBRE Phase II funding for the CCBR. While the missions of the CCBR remained unchanged, the influx of physician/scientists to the CCBR prompted an extensive focus on translational cancer research; a theme that remains strongly in place. Phase II Project Leaders were also successful in obtaining extramural funding and graduated from CoBRE support. Moreover, the Scientific Cores further expanded their services and began a more systematic approach (SmartSheets) to order, track and report back services to their users. In addition, fee-for-service schedules were developed for the Scientific Cores as they prepared for attaining self-sufficiency. The Pilot Grant program continued to provide funding to investigators who utilized these resources to successfully publish and obtain funding. Phase III CoBRE funding will enable the CCBR's Scientific Cores to reach a state of self-sustainability while continuing to offer critical services to CCBR members as well as non-CCBR members of Sanford Research and investigators from regional and national institutions. A critical component of this Phase III application will fund the CCBR's Pilot Grant Program. These Pilot Grants have proven to be essential sources of funding for new investigators and more seasoned faculty that want to test innovative hypotheses or require resources to generate data necessary to secure extramural funding. Historically, the CCBR's Pilot Grant Awardees have demonstrated that this funding results in peer-reviewed scientific publications and enables them to obtain funding from external sources. Moreover, a large percent of Pilot Grant projects utilizes the CCBR's Scientific Cores thereby contributing to their self-sustainability. The CCBR's successes over the past decade of CoBRE funding are a testament to the transformative power of this funding mechanism. Obtaining the final Phase of CoBRE funding will further strengthen the Scientific Cores, translational research, scientific culture of innovative science and the research infrastructure of the CCBR that began with Phase I CoBRE funding.

PROJECT NARRATIVE Phase III funding for the Center for Cancer Biology Research will provide continued support for the Center's Scientific Cores such that they can attain self-sustainability. This funding will also provide resources for a Pilot Grant program to continue supporting innovative cancer research in the Midwest. Together, our Center will continue to expand and generate innovative and impactful research that will ultimately benefit cancer patients.