The Young Investigator Symposium is a professional mentoring event that takes place annually at the fall group meeting of the ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group (ECOG-ACRIN). The symposium introduces young investigators to ECOG-ACRIN, providing them with the opportunity to give a 10-minute oral presentation of their research project and respond to questions. Through this event, young investigators meet experienced investigators, learn about potential research opportunities early in their career, and furnish the ECOG-ACRIN community with new research approaches. ECOG-ACRIN’s vice chair, Joseph A. Sparano, MD, founded the event in 2001.
While at the group meeting, young investigators are invited to observe scientific committee meetings, participate in educational sessions for clinical trial professionals, and network one-on-one with attendees. Like the question and answer session during the symposium itself, these interactions are valuable to young investigators, given that the more senior, long-standing ECOG-ACRIN researchers and investigators have broad experience in clinical research disciplines, imaging research, and translational science.
Awardees do not receive research grant funding; however, ECOG-ACRIN covers travel and lodging costs associated with attendance at the group meeting.
The Mentoring Program Committee selects up to eight young investigators annually to be a symposium presenter. Criteria used to judge the applications include scientific innovation, significance, and ultimate potential for clinical impact.
To be eligible for consideration, an individual must meet all of the following criteria:
In clinical research, ECOG-ACRIN encourages applications from individuals working in therapeutic and medical imaging disciplines such as medical, surgical, and radiation oncology; hematology; radiology; nuclear medicine; internal medicine; and preventive medicine. In translational science, it encourages applications from individuals working in disciplines such as laboratory-based pathology, genetics, molecular biology, and experimental imaging.
Individuals working in other related disciplines are also encouraged to apply; these include statistics, bioinformatics, clinical psychology, behavioral sciences, epidemiology, and health services.
The deadline for 2020 has passed.
For next year, the abstract submission process will open in mid-July. The tentative deadline for next year is Wednesday, September 8, 2021, 11:59 PM (Eastern)
Submit research abstract forms for and direct inquiries about the Symposium to:
Deborah Deal
Mentoring Program Administrator
ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group
Phone: 215.789.3609
Email: gro.nirca-gocenull@laedd
Two presenters receive awards of distinction annually. Following the symposium, the Mentoring Program Committee meets to evaluate the presentations, taking into consideration the merit of the research, quality of the presentation delivery, command of the research topic, and ability to respond to research-related questions. The two recipients of the awards of distinction are announced and recognized at the group meeting’s General Session, the plenary event of the group meeting when all attendees gather together.
Recipients from 2001, when the event started, through 2011, are forthcoming.
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