PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Keith Knutson, Ph.D., Program Director, Oncology, of the Vaccine & Gene Therapy Institute of Florida (VGTI Florida) was selected as a new committee member to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Tumor Microenvironment (TME) Study Section with the Center for Scientific Review (CSR).

Members of CSR study sections are invited to participate on the basis of their demonstrated aptitude and successes in their scientific discipline as shown by their publications in research journals and scientific activities, achievements, and honors.

The TME Study Section reviews grant applications that deal with the basic mechanisms between tumors and host systems. The emphasis of the study is on evaluation of a tumor as an organ-like structure with complex and dynamic cross-talk. The studies have an emphasis on translational work in human cells, a focus at VGTI Florida.

The CSR receives all research grant applications sent to NIH, and handles the review of more than 70% of those by organizing peer-review groups (study sections) to evaluate the applications. The mission of the CSR is to see that NIH grant applications receive objective, independent, expert, and timely reviews, free from inappropriate influences, ensuring that the NIH can fund the most promising research.

Participating in this Study Section will allow me the opportunity to network with other top scientists in oncology research, bringing back new knowledge and insights to share with my colleagues at VGTI Florida, said Dr. Knutson.

Dr. Knutson and several members of his lab joined VGTI Florida in February 2013 from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. His research work focuses on the immunology and immunotherapy of breast and ovarian cancers and how vaccines can help boost the bodys immune system to help fight off these cancers that affect so many people today.

Participation in a study section requires deep knowledge, responsible judgment and objectivity, as well as the ability to work effectively in a group, said Mel Rothberg, Chief Operating Officer at VGTI Florida, Dr. Knutson possesses each of these traits and we are very proud to have him included in this prestigious committee.

About VGTI Florida:

VGTI Florida is an immunological research institute that is on an urgent mission to transform scientific discoveries into novel treatments and cures for existing and emerging infectious diseases, influenza and cancer. VGTI Florida is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) organization located in the Tradition Center for Innovation in Port St. Lucie, Florida. For more information, please visit http://www.VGTIFL.org. VGTI Florida is a Trademark of the Vaccine & Gene Therapy Institute of Florida.

Link:
VGTI Florida Scientist Selected for a Peer-Review Panel for the National Institutes of Health

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