A new program hub of cancer researchers and doctors from the University of Michigan will soon be housed in the university’s North Campus Research Complex, officials announced today.

The Translational Oncology Program will consist of up to 40 researchers and will attempt to better bridge the gap between scientific research and new patient treatments.

Teams of scientists will focus on experimental therapeutics, cancer stem cells, molecular imaging and genomics. The program also will have a close association with industries to facilitate the development of new drugs and testing new cancer treatments, according to university officials.

Dr. Diane Simeone has been named director of the new program. Simeone is a professor of surgery at the U-M Medical School.

The announcement of the new research hub at the NCRC comes just more than a month after U-M officials announced they would be placing nearly 400 of its researchers in a building at the complex as a part of another newly-formed program, the Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation.

The Translational Oncology Program will make use of two buildings available in the NCRC. Several cancer researchers already have moved into the space. Officials estimate about six to 10 researchers will be housed in the designated space at NCRC by January, with 20 to 30 more in the next two years.

“The Translational Oncology Program represents a major hub for cancer research and a tremendous opportunity to facilitate new discoveries for patients,” said Dr. Max Wicha, director of the U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center, in a news release. “This program represents the best of our University’s environment, allow for collaboration among researchers and unique educational opportunities for our biomedical research trainees.”

Cancer researchers for the new program will come from across the university, including U-M’s Medical School, the College of Engineering, the School of Dentistry and the College of Pharmacy.

Amy Biolchini covers Washtenaw County, health and environmental issues for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at (734) 623-2552, amybiolchini@annarbor.com or on Twitter.