NCI’s Wiest Retires After 18 Years

Dr. Jonathan Wiest

Dr. Jonathan Wiest retired in December after 18 years at NCI. He joined the institute in 2001 as associate director for training and education, Center for Cancer Research, to advance NCI’s cancer training efforts for both intramural and extramural research. After he was named the first director of the newly formed CCT in 2007, these efforts accelerated.

He developed NCI extramural training programs, streamlined training award mechanisms, increased support for physician-scientist awards and built career paths for trainees with the establishment of the F99/K00 mechanism leading to the transition to independence with the K99/R00 mechanism.

On the intramural side, Wiest pioneered innovative educational and career development programs such as the NCI Graduate Student Recruitment program, which brought outstanding postdocs to NCI research groups, and the electronic Individual Development Plan system, which helped postdocs establish career plans in concert with their mentors. The annual CCR-FYI Colloquium continues to give fellows the opportunity to explore potential career paths and learn about groundbreaking research.

Wiest also established workshops, courses and fellowships to help intramural fellows transition to their next career step.

“Jonathan leaves a legacy that will endure,” said Dr. Dinah Singer, NCI deputy director for scientific strategy and development. “By working to expand and transform NCI’s programs in cancer research training, career development and education, he helped develop a 21st century workforce capable of advancing cancer research.”