Research Newsletter - January 2026

Symposium brings together metabolism, cancer experts to chart a team-science path forward

The Building a Pillar of Excellence in Metabolic Research at IU Symposium, held last November, convened clinical and research faculty, trainees, administrative and research staff, and industry partners from across Indiana to explore how metabolic research can inform cancer prevention, early detection, treatment response and long-term health. Sessions spanned basic, translational, clinical, and population sciences, reflecting the broad scope of metabolism-related work underway across IU. Read the symposium summary.

To carry the symposium’s energy forward, the COMPASS (Cancer, Obesity, Metabolic–Musculoskeletal Pathways: Advancing Scientific Solutions) Working Group will begin meeting on a regular schedule to deepen scientific discussions and refine the P01 concept. Starting in 2026, COMPASS will convene at 11 a.m. on the second Wednesday of each month to:

• Take a deeper dive into specific topics in metabolism and cancer
• Map existing strengths and gaps in Indiana’s metabolic research ecosystem
• Develop and coordinate projects that could be incorporated into a P01 submission and related grants
• Researchers, clinicians, and trainees interested in joining COMPASS — or confirming they are already on the roster — are encouraged to contact Vicki Clements (vlclemen@iu.edu) for more information.

“COMPASS is for anyone interested in the intersections between metabolic health and cancer. Even though our group has amazing strength in the basic science arena, you don't have to be a bench scientist to participate in this group,” Misty Hawkins, PhD, said. “We welcome perspectives from bench-to-bedside and beyond. Join us. We'd love to feature your work."

As part of the ongoing IU vs. Cancer campaign, a new video features cancer center researchers and IU alumni and Indiana natives Jodi Skiles, MD, and Bryan Schneider, MD. Watch the video.

Launched this past spring, the IU vs. Cancer campaign started as a donor acquisition campaign geared toward IU alumni. The campaign expanded late in 2025 to reach a wider audience to raise awareness about the cancer center’s lifesaving cancer research. During all home IU men’s and women’s basketball games, LED advertisements for the campaign are appearing courtside in iconic Assembly Hall as well as on the basketball post. The ads are also seen during national broadcasts on the Big Ten Network, CBS Sports, Fox Sports 1, ESPN and others.

Kim Burrows will retire Jan. 31 after nearly four decades of dedicated service to IU. She began in 1987 as supervisor of laboratory/animals in the biology department and later joined the cancer center in 2009 as research facility administrator, where her leadership has been invaluable.

A retirement reception from 11 a.m. to noon Thursday, Jan. 29, in the Walther Hall Atrium will honor Burrows and her contributions to the cancer center. RSVP for the celebration.

The Winter 2026 edition of “IU Medicine Magazine” is now online and includes a focus on cancer. From innovative research and therapies to statewide screening efforts, the edition illustrates how we at the cancer center are bringing a new era of cancer care to every corner of Indiana — and giving more patients the gift of time. Please take a moment to check it out.