The Minneapolis skyline at sunset seen from across the river in Northeast.
Minneapolis at sunset. Photo/The Minnesota Star Tribune.

Sharing cancer research knowledge across state lines

This spring, the Masonic Cancer Center (MCC), University of Minnesota joined four other Midwest cancer centers to launch an exciting new program that helps early-career cancer researchers grow their work and connect with others. Called the Upper Midwest Emerging Scholars Exchange Program, this exciting new initiative brings together top early-career faculty —assistant professors in the first five years of their studies—from the following Midwest cancer centers: 

 

A woman stands in front of her presentation speaking with a listener.
Dr. Aimee Merino speaks with a listener at her presentation at UW-Carbone Cancer Center.

By visiting and presenting at each other’s institutions, these scholars are sharing ideas, building relationships, and learning from different research communities. It’s one more way MCC is working to grow the next generation of cancer scientists!

The first exchange kicked off in May 2025. On May 7, MCC’s Dr. Aimee Merino traveled to the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center. There, she presented her research and connected with scientists from across the region. 

Just a couple of weeks later, on May 20, MCC welcomed Dr. Jingjing Sun from the University of Nebraska’s Buffett Cancer Center. During her visit, Dr. Sun shared her work with MCC faculty and learned more about the cancer research happening here in Minnesota. Watch the recording of Dr. Sun’s talk!

Both visits were full of new conversations and sparked ideas for future collaboration.

Why this matters, and what's next 

Programs like the Emerging Scholars Exchange give researchers a chance to think bigger and make valuable connections early in their careers. When scientists are given opportunities to share their ideas and learn from others early on in their careers, they often come up with new approaches to their work and get hands-on experience with tried-and-true methods for collaboration that can improve cancer prevention, care, and treatment.

A woman presents in a seminar room to a group of people in chairs.
Dr. Jingjing Sun presents to MCC researchers on May 20, 2025.

The program also strengthens the ties between MCC and other Midwest cancer centers, helping us all work better together to advance cancer research and care.

We’re already getting ready for the next round of scholar exchanges! Applications for the 2025–2026 program are open now through July 7, 2025, and we’re excited to have Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center joining the program in 2026-2027. We’ll be sharing more updates later this year on who is selected and where they’ll be headed as representatives of MCC. Stay tuned!