Using an abbreviated name of a specific research center in a secondary

For one of my secondaries, I found that I can use the abbreviation of a specific research institute at the school and it fits the word count perfectly. Can I use this without spelling it out, especially if I mention what that department does in my essay? For example, let's say I want to do research on pancreatic cancer at the National Cancer institute, is it okay if I just say, "and staff members at the NCI may help me start a project on pancreatic cancer."
Source: Student Doctor Network - Category: Universities & Medical Training Authors: Tags: Pre-Medical - MD Source Type: forums