Sep. 12, 2025
An exciting collaboration between Mizzou and the University of Kentucky is set to advance how cancer research data is collected and used among Southeastern Conference institutions.
Dr. Iris Zachary, director of the Missouri Cancer Registry and Research Center and research professor in the Department of Public Health, was recently selected as a recipient of the Southeastern Conference Visiting Faculty Grant Program. The grant will support Zachary’s travel to Kentucky to integrate genetic testing data into state cancer registries.
The project is designed to address a critical gap in cancer data collection, Zachary said. Genetic data plays a vital role in how we prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, but is not yet systematically captured.
“When we improve the quality and depth of cancer data, we open the door to more precise care and, ultimately, better outcomes for patients,” Zachary said.
Beyond strengthening the Missouri Cancer Registry and Research Center’s program, the partnership will improve data completeness and create a foundation for future joint research and funding opportunities between the two SEC partner institutions. Zachary said she intends to travel for the work in early 2026.
