News & Events

State cancer agency announces new Chief Scientific Officer

The Oversight Committee of the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) announced today that Scott W. Hiebert, Ph.D., has been named Chief Scientific Officer. The current Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Michelle Le Beau, announced her plan earlier this year to retire from the position.

CPRIT recruited Dr. Hiebert to Texas from Vanderbilt University’s Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, Tennessee, where he held several leadership roles, including Associate Director for Shared Resources, Professor of Biochemistry and the Hortense B. Ingram Chair in Cancer Research.

CPRIT awards more than $93 million for cancer research and prevention

(AUSTIN) Today the governing body of the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) approved 61 grants totaling more than $93 million. The grants support cancer research and prevention projects across the entire spectrum of CPRIT’s mission, including CPRIT Scholar recruitment grants, a wide array of evidence-based prevention programs, and funding for early-stage companies developing promising new treatments for cancer.

“Texas is a national leader in the fight against cancer,” said Kristen Pauling Doyle, CPRIT Chief Executive Officer. “We can measure the return on investment from CPRIT grants like those approved today not only in the economic benefits flowing from increased financial activity and jobs in the state, but more importantly in the cancers avoided, detected early, and treated successfully. Thanks to the Legislature’s vision, this commitment is saving lives.”

Governor reappoints Cindy Barberio Payne to CPRIT Oversight Committee

(AUSTIN) Governor Greg Abbott has reappointed Cindy Barberio Payne to the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas Oversight Committee for a term set to expire on January 31, 2031. Ms. Payne was first appointed to the position in 2020.

“We’re thrilled that CPRIT will continue to benefit from Ms. Payne’s wisdom, experience, and leadership as we make progress toward our mission to conquer cancer for all Texans,” said CPRIT Chief Executive Officer Kristen Doyle. “She is a tremendous asset to the Oversight Committee, and I thank Governor Abbott for this reappointment and his support of CPRIT.”

State cancer agency awards $68 million in research grants to Texas institutions

CPRIT 2024 Annual Report Now Available ONLINE

(AUSTIN, TX) CPRIT is proud to introduce the 2024 CPRIT Annual Report, a web-based review of our fifteenth year as the state’s cancer-fighting agency.

Created by the Texas Legislature with overwhelming bipartisan support and approved by the people of Texas through two statewide votes, CPRIT is a $6 billion investment in groundbreaking research into preventing, diagnosing, treating, and surviving cancer. As of August 31, 2024, CPRIT has awarded more than $3.65 billion to 144 entities and institutions across Texas through 2,017 merit-based, independently peer reviewed grants. CPRIT is now the second largest public funder of cancer research in the U.S., following only the National Cancer Institute.

2024 Texas Cancer Plan Now Available

(AUSTIN) The Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) announces the release of the 2024 Texas Cancer Plan, an updated report outlining actionable goals, objectives, and strategies to reduce the burden of cancer for communities and individuals across Texas. The 2024 Texas Cancer Plan can be found at www.texascancerplan.org. 

“The 2024 Texas Cancer Plan is a road map of ongoing efforts across our state to eradicate cancer and reflects the changes, progress, and advances, in cancer prevention and control since 2018,” said Kristen Doyle, CPRIT Chief Executive Officer. “Everyone in Texas deserves the opportunity to lead a healthy and fulfilling life, free of cancer. Progress in the fight against cancer depends on all Texans working to create a healthier Texas and a brighter future. Together, Texans will conquer cancer.”