Audit Announced for Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas

One organization has opened its doors for a state audit.

The Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas announced the audit this week, which will be carried out by the State Auditor’s Office.

“Even though the audit is standard procedure and was planned before recent questions arose about our grant review process, we are pleased with the timing,” said Bill Gimson, CPRIT executive director.

“In addition to the steps we are taking to reassure the public that we are worthy of our world class reputation, this audit offers one more opportunity to demonstrate that fighting cancer is and always will be the motive behind our every action.”

Concerns have been raised about the group’s grant review process, and the organization has announced actions to address the issues.

The group’s actions include re-reviewing the MD Anderson incubator grant and subjecting all future incubator grants to both scientific and commercialization out-of-state peer review, establishing a future directions work group, and hiring a compliance officer to review, evaluate, and monitor all grant making activities.

CPRIT was approved by voters in a Texas Constitutional amendment in 2007, which authorized the state to issue $3 billion in bonds to fund the research and prevention programs.