Sponsors and donors find the award attractive as well. The University made one previous attempt for the grant in the 1970s without success. Members of the Medical School started a tally of the cancer research scattered across the University's campus in the late 1980s. The voluminous results convinced administrators to propose building the comprehensive cancer center. Faculty members let the idea of a successful attempt lay dormant for nearly a decade, but building the center gave the idea a new life.
Applications require substantial paperwork.
The National Cancer Institute appoints an inspection team of cancer specialists and scientists from across the nation who then follow up with an on-site visit to conduct interviews and tour facilities. During numerous mock sessions months before the site visit from the national institute's team, scientists drilled the University's staff in preparation for the day-long investigation. The work paid off. Minnesotans will gain from the grant as well, Kersey said. He added that the so-called war on cancer began 20 years ago.