About BCRP and the Council
Who We Are and What We Do
The California Breast Cancer Research Program (BCRP) was created by the California Breast Cancer Act of 1993, sponsored by Assemblywoman Barbara Friedman. The Act and enabling legislation increased the cigarette tax by two cents per pack and allocated 45% of the revenue to BCRP to fund research on the cause, prevention, detection and cure of breast cancer. Managed by the University of California, the state’s official research arm, BCRP is one of the three Special Research Programs that are administratively housed in the Office of the President, Health Affairs. The staff manages all programmatic and fiscal aspects of the grant process, aided by other units within the Office of the President. Strategies, goals and oversight are provided by an external advisory board, the Breast Cancer Research Council.
About the Council
The overall objectives, strategies and priorities of BCRP are set by the Breast Cancer Research Council, which actively participates in overseeing the program and making final recommendations on the research projects to be funded. In each Grant Cycle, BCRP awards grants based on the Council’s recommendations, which are based on peer reviewers’ evaluations, program priorities and available funds. The Council currently consists of 16 members: five representatives of breast cancer survivor/advocacy groups; five scientists/clinicians; two members from non-profit health organizations, one practicing breast cancer medical specialist, two members from private industry, and one ex officio member from the DHS Breast Cancer Early Detection Program. Council members are appointed by the University, drawn from nominations submitted by Council and the community.
