Big data approach to cancer is focus of new Purdue partnership

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Improving the use of biostatistics, predictive modeling and data science in cancer research is the focus of a new partnership between Purdue University and the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research.

Timothy L. Ratliff, distinguished professor of comparative pathobiology and Purdue's Robert Wallace Miller Director of the Center for Cancer Research, said the partnership will include the appointment and exchange of scientific staff, sabbatical opportunities, student training and postdoctoral fellowships.

"The Purdue University Center for Cancer Research is honored to enter into a partnership with the Frederick National Laboratory to enhance and accelerate educational and research activities in the field of computational biology and predictive modeling," Ratliff said. "Working with the outstanding investigators at Frederick National Laboratory will benefit our students and faculty and will enable us to have a greater impact on the field."

Purdue and Frederick National Laboratory also will conduct cooperative research in protein crystallization in microgravity.

Dr. Ethan Dmitrovsky, director of the Frederick National Laboratory and president of Leidos Biomedical Research Inc., said the agreement brings together two leaders in cancer research.

"The Purdue University Center for Cancer Research conducts world-class basic research that has led to significant advances in the field," he said. "This mutually beneficial partnership will allow some of the best minds in cancer research to come together to accelerate research discoveries that will ultimately benefit patients."  

The Purdue Center for Cancer Research conducts basic research on the cellular causes and potential treatment of cancers. The center is one of only seven National Cancer Institute-designate basic research cancer centers in the nation. 

Writer: Steve Tally, 765-494-9809, steve@purdue.edu, @sciencewriter

Source: Timothy L. Ratliff, 7650494-9129, tlratliff@purdue.edu