Dr. Carl-Wilhelm Vogel has resigned as director of the Cancer Research Center of Hawaii, the University of Hawai'i announced today.

Under his leadership, cancer research funding almost tripled to over $40 million annually, and the cancer center has become the recipient of approximately $20 million annually from the cigarette tax, UH said in a news release.

"UH-Manoa is grateful for Dr. Vogel's many contributions. Dr. Vogel will continue his service to UH-Manoa as he resumes his research as a member of the cancer center faculty," said UH-Manoa Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw.

UH-Manoa will move forward with plans for the construction of the Cancer Research Center of Hawaii in Kaka'ako, Hinshaw said. Vogel will assist in the transition of leadership, working with the team of Vice Chancellor Gary Ostrander and cancer center faculty member Dr. Michele Carbone.

A nationwide search for a permanent director will be undertaken, according Hinshaw.