50 Years of Cancer: A History of American Cancer Research

50 years ago, President Richard Nixon signed the National Cancer Act into law. But what was the state of cancer in America like before the act, and how has the fight against cancer generally changed since the act passed? We spoke with NCI Director Dr. Ned Sharpless to talk about the work NCI has done since the passage of the act as the first part of our six-part miniseries this year in commemoration of the National Cancer Act’s 50th Anniversary. Stay tuned for the rest of the series, which will release bimonthly throughout the rest of the year.
Follow ongoing cancer innovation coverage and future episodes here.

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Dr. Ned Sharpless Director National Cancer Institute
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DOD Turns to Skills-Based Hiring to Build Next-Gen Cyber Workforce
Mark Gorak discusses DOD’s efforts to build a diverse cyber workforce, including skills-based hiring and partnerships with over 480 schools.
20m listen -
New NSF Program Cultivates the Future of NextG Networks
The agency’s new VINES program looks to tackle key challenges like energy efficiency and future-proofing wireless tech.
21m watch -
Inside Oak Ridge National Lab’s Pioneer Approach to AI
Energy Department’s Oak Ridge National Lab transforms AI vulnerabilities into strategic opportunities for national defense.
22m listen -
AI Enables Coast Guard’s Workforce to Transform Operations
The Coast Guard’s Deputy CIO Brian Campo delves into the ways AI is pushing the service to rethink its core services, workforce and operations.
14m watch -
DOL Turns to Workforce Development to Maintain AI Superiority
DOL is bridging the AI skills gap through partnerships and upskilling to ensure future AI workforce readiness.
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AWS Summit: A DOE National Lab Uses GenAI to Boost Efficiency
Lawrence Livermore National Lab launches a new generative AI tool to drive operational efficiency at the National Ignition Facility.
9m listen -
VHA’s AI Chief Led NIH’s New AI RFI
The agency's AI chief Gil Alterovitz helped develop a plan that hints at how NIH is charting the future of AI and biomedical research.
5m read -
AWS Summit: Idaho National Lab’s AI Applications in Nuclear Technology
The lab is using AI and concepts like digital twins to enhance nuclear research and embed the technology in operations.
23m listen -
VA Plans Future EHR Deployment on Facility Relationships
VA’s EHR program is expected to restart in 2026 and will plan deployment based on pre-existing relationships between facilities to drive interoperability.
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Trump Taps Maj. Gen. John Bartrum to Lead VHA
Nominated for VA's top health role, Bartrum brings over four decades of military and public service to the agency.
3m read -
Human-AI Collaboration is Key to Secure Government Systems
Former CIA security chief emphasizes training and international standards for effective AI implementation.
23m watch -
How Integrated Analytics Can Break Federal Data Silos
The Coleridge Initiative is leading the charge to modernize government data management, breaking down bureaucratic barriers by providing secure data access, advanced analytics and cross-agency collaboration tools.
11m watch