RESEARCH & PUBLICATIONS
CDU Research Department Pioneers Healthcare Advancements through Collaborative Partnerships and Funding
In a bid to revolutionize healthcare and address health disparities , CDU ’ s research enterprise has been at the forefront of groundbreaking projects . Led by Dr . Jay Vadgama , Vice President for Research and Health Affairs , the department has achieved significant milestones through collaboration , funding , and training opportunities .
Scientists , and early-stage investigators at CDU . By investing in minority researchers , CDU and the ACS aim to increase diversity in cancer research and reduce health disparities . The program has successfully funded junior faculty projects , recruited fellows and scientists , and awarded scholarships to CDU students pursuing cancer research .
A notable partnership that has propelled CDU ' s research endeavors is the collaboration with pharmaceutical company Novartis . Under the Beacon of Hope Initiative , Novartis pledged 10 years of support , amounting to $ 5.7 million , to establish a Clinical Trials Center of Excellence and provide training opportunities at CDU . The partnership aims to strengthen clinical trial capabilities , improve inclusivity , and enhance health outcomes for communities of color . Other pharmaceutical companies , including Merck and Sanofi , have also joined the Beacon of Hope initiative to conduct clinical trials through CDU ' s Clinical Trial Center of Excellence , amplifying the impact of the collaboration .
Furthermore , Novartis established the Beacon of Hope Summer Fellowship program at the Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research . CDU student Timothy Hornsby was selected to participate in the training opportunities , contributing to his development in drug discovery and clinical research careers . Similar collaborations with Merck and other pharmaceutical companies have provided additional research and training opportunities for CDU students , demonstrating the university ' s commitment to fostering a robust research community .
CDU ’ s Cancer Research and Training Division secured a significant $ 2.7 million funding from the American Cancer Society ( ACS ) for the Diversity in Cancer Research Program . This funding supports Master-level students , Postdoctoral Fellows , Clinical Research
Additionally , CDU ' s U54 AXIS Center has obtained seven Administrative Supplements since 2021 , including four COVID-19-related grants totaling $ 2.3 million . These grants enabled CDU investigators to collaborate with South Los Angeles communities , contributing to testing , tracing , prevention , and treatment efforts . The supplements also supported HIV / AIDS research and cardiometabolic studies , further expanding CDU ' s impact in critical areas of healthcare .
In a collaborative effort , the UCLA Clinical and Translational Science Institute ( CTSI ), which includes CDU as a partner institution , secured a remarkable $ 59 million grant from the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences ( NCATS ). The UCLA CTSI aims to accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries into effective health interventions , focusing on addressing health disparities and achieving health equity . Through this partnership , CDU will continue its commitment to research and tackle pressing medical challenges , building upon the achievements of the first decade of the UCLA CTSI . With a strong emphasis on collaboration , funding , and training opportunities , CDU ’ s research enterprise remains dedicated to advancing healthcare , promoting inclusivity in research , and addressing health disparities . Through these pioneering initiatives , CDU is poised to make a lasting impact on medical breakthroughs and improved health outcomes for underserved communities .
38 Research & Publications