What TREC is

The TREC initiative is a 5-year scientific research effort aimed at reducing cancer linked with obesity, poor diet, and low levels of physical of activity. This $54 million initiative, which began in the fall of 2005, is funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Scientists at the NCI, four research centers, and a coordination center collaborate on the TREC initiative.

TREC scientists around the country are working together to answer complex questions about obesity and cancer. They are studying how the combined effects of obesity, poor diet, and low levels of physical activity increase cancer risk. They are also searching for effective ways to prevent obesity.

Finding answers to these and other complex questions about obesity and cancer requires a transdisciplinary research approach where scientists from diverse fields come together to integrate knowledge across disciplines. The TREC initiative helps scientists conduct transdisciplinary research on obesity and cancer and also helps train new and established scientists to carry out this kind of integrated research.