UTHealth Houston Showcases Cancer Prevention and Research During CPRIT Site Visit

Published: August 18, 2026

Researchers, practitioners, and funders in cancer control and prevention have a shared mission: reducing the burden of cancer in the communities they serve. But in pursuit of that goal, these disparate groups rarely have the opportunity to come together face-to-face and reflect on this mission. 

This April, UTHealth Houston hosted leaders from the Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) for an informal site visit. University leadership, CPRIT awardees, and other researchers at UTHealth Houston engaged with the CPRIT leaders to discuss CPRIT’s funding priorities and to share cancer-related research and prevention programs led by UTHealth Houston across Texas.    

“We were so pleased to host CPRIT leadership and showcase for them the full scope of the university’s efforts across the state with academic research and prevention programs that address the entire cancer continuum from prevention to survivorship,” said María E. Fernández, PhD, Vice President of Population Health and Implementation Science at UTHealth Houston. “This visit created a valuable space for collaboration, allowing researchers to connect directly with CPRIT leaders about both their work and the priorities shaping cancer research and prevention across Texas.” 

CPRIT leadership, including CEO Kristen Doyle, COO Heidi McConnell, Chief Scientific Officer Scott Hiebert, PhD, and Chief Prevention Officer Ruth Rechis, PhD, spent the visit engaging with representatives of UTHealth Houston. After meeting with university leaders, they hosted an open session for current and prospective awardees at the university, offering insight into funding opportunities and CPRIT’s current priorities. 

In turn, UTHealth Houston researchers shared how the university is translating research into real-world impact through CPRIT support. Presentations highlighted programs focused on prevention, education, and outreach, the university’s robust academic research program, and CPRIT-funded core facilities, underlining the impact of CPRIT funding on the advancement of cancer science.  

CPRIT leaders then attended a poster session, where university researchers had the chance to share a closer look at individual projects and programs from across the entire cancer care continuum. The site visit concluded with a tour of the new UTHealth Houston School of Public Health building, which opened in June. 

The day served as a reminder of the power of partnership and collaboration. CPRIT’s support enables institutions like UTHealth Houston to drive research forward, expand prevention efforts, and continue to saves lives and reduce the burden of cancer on the people of Texas.