Young Scientists from Around the World Benefit from AACR Support, Attendance at Annual Meeting

For the past five years, cohorts of talented young researchers from around the world have participated in the AACR Annual Meeting through the Global Scholar-in-Training (GSITA) Awards program. The program is currently accepting applications for the sixth class of GSITA awardees. The 2024 GSITA awardees will be invited to attend the AACR Annual Meeting 2024, scheduled for April 5-10, 2024, in San Diego.

GSITA awardees are selected through a rigorous, peer-reviewed process. The 2023 scholars, representing Argentina, Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Jordan, Malawi, Nigeria, Peru, and Thailand, were chosen for their outstanding promise as early-career researchers, with the hope that they would apply the education and inspiration they received from the meeting to their work in their home countries.  

To learn more about how the GSITA experience benefits early-career researchers, we checked in with some of last year’s class and asked them to share their thoughts on how their experience helped prepare them for the next stage in their career. Here’s what they said.  

Anshika Chauhan, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PIGMER), Chandigarh, India

How do you see the GSITA furthering your opportunities?

I want to express my deep gratitude for being selected as a GSITA awardee. This award has opened doors for young researchers like me from resource-constrained countries to participate in the Annual Meeting. It has allowed us to meet and interact with outstanding scientists from diverse backgrounds, providing a unique opportunity to learn about their work and cultures. Moreover, the program has offered me the chance to collaborate with fellow scholars from diverse backgrounds, nurturing a global perspective and enabling me to appreciate different viewpoints and problem-solving approaches.

In sum, the GSITA award has played a pivotal role in enhancing my academic excellence, global awareness, and professional development, ultimately furthering my opportunities in significant ways.

Kamonlaplat Supimon, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand

Who would you recommend applying for the GSITA?

The AACR is a world-class scientific organization. I would recommend everyone interested in cancer research to consider applying to GSITA. Do not hesitate or doubt yourself, no matter who you are. It is worth trying to become a part of GSITA, as you will gain valuable experiences that cannot be found elsewhere.

The Annual Meeting includes various inspirational research presentations, experts, and networking opportunities. The staff are also welcoming and helpful. Join us and become a part of the GSITA family!

Juliana Siqueira, Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

How did the Annual Meeting help prepare you for the next stage in your career?

The AACR Annual Meeting 2023 was an incredible experience. I met notable researchers and immersed myself in cutting-edge research in cancer. During the meeting, I attended numerous sessions and activities that will impact my research and career path. The scientific sessions expanded my knowledge and are a source of inspiration for new projects. The professional advancement sessions motivated and helped me to prepare for many aspects of a scientific career, such as writing grants/fellowships, mentoring, and manuscript review. During the poster sessions, I was able to share my results with talented peers and receive feedback.

Finally, many events encouraged new connections, some of which will lead to future collaborations. In addition, we received valuable comments and guidance on science communication skills from the GSITA team which was very helpful and improved the way I present my research.

Montana Manselle, Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina

Did your attendance at the Annual Meeting assist in refining your research and career path?

Absolutely! Being part of the AACR GSITA program has been a game changer for my career. The GSITA award not only gave me the opportunity to attend the AACR Annual Meeting but also enabled me to present my research and engage in meaningful discussions with esteemed scientists in my field. These interactions have not only enriched my knowledge but have also opened doors to potential postdoctoral positions.

Furthermore, the GSITA experience facilitated connections with a diverse network of researchers, fostering collaborations and opening the way for significant relationships in the future. This program has elevated my research profile and has served as a platform for connecting with like-minded individuals who share my dedication to advancing cancer research. Importantly, because I come from a region with limited scientific exchange and travel opportunities, this award has been transformative, granting me access to this invaluable international experience that would have otherwise been impossible. This enriching experience has broadened my horizons and has allowed me to bring back crucial insights and knowledge gained from the Annual Meeting to contribute to the advancement of cancer research in my home country.

In sum, the GSITA experience has been instrumental in propelling my career forward, expanding my professional network within the field of cancer research, and exposing me to the latest research advances.

Agustina Sabater, Institute of Biological Chemistry of the School of Sciences (IQUIBICEN), National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina

Who would you recommend applying for the GSITA?

I would recommend the GSITA program to every early-career cancer scientist who is working to launch their scientific career. Attending the AACR Annual Meeting is an extraordinary opportunity that everyone who is studying this complex pathology should experience in order to further understand the inspiring international collaborative force fighting against cancer.

Having the chance to become a GSITA helped me deepen my knowledge on the intricacies of cancer and meet renowned people from the field who will undoubtedly become outstanding leaders. The AACR Annual Meeting is a huge scientific and cultural exchange, the perfect place for learning and networking that will certainly make anyone fall in love with science all over again.