<p>The work of nine scientists representing nine academic departments and the UF Shands Cancer Center is set to benefit from the monies, part of the Florida Department of Health's Bankhead-Coley Cancer Research Program. The program encourages a coordinated, collaborative approach to preventing, treating and curing cancer-related diseases.</p>
<p>Thirty-three grants totaling more than $8.1 million were awarded in two categories to research scientists from Florida-based universities and research institutions. The grants go into effect this month.</p>
<p>Seven UF researchers received funding intended to provide interim support for promising cancer-related research projects that have been highly rated in recent federal competitions, such as those conducted by the National Institutes of Health, but have not been funded due to budgetary constraints.</p>
<p>Two UF researchers received funding aimed at supporting Florida investigators who are conducting cancer-related research by improving access to state-of-the-art research instruments that can only be justified on a shared-use basis.</p>