Call for Applications: American Association for Cancer Research Scientist↔Survivor Program®

Applications for this program are currently closed. Please stay tuned for upcoming opportunities.

The CIHR Institute of Cancer Research (CIHR-ICR) is thrilled to be partnering with the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) to co-sponsor cancer survivor and patient advocates from Canada to participate in the 2025 American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Scientist↔Survivor Program® (SSP).

The AACR-SSP is being held in Chicago, Illinois at the McCormick Place Convention Center from April 25 to April 30, 2025, in conjunction with AACR's 2025 Annual Meeting, "Unifying Cancer Science and Medicine: A Continuum of Innovation for Impact."

Through the AACR-SSP, survivor and patient advocates are able to develop stronger backgrounds in cancer research and related issues; keep abreast of recent advances in drug development and basic, clinical and translational cancer research; and be exposed to the knowledge and dedication of cancer scientists. The program exposes advocates to special lay language lectures, small group discussions, and other interactions that provide a solid background for exploring the scientific sessions at the annual meeting on their own or with scientific mentors.

CIHR-ICR will support travel and accommodations to attend the AACR-SSP and AACR will support 2025 Annual Meeting registrations, meals provided through the program, and a one-year AACR Affiliate Membership for the successful applicants. Incidentals and meals outside of the program will not be covered by AACR or CIHR-ICR. CIHR-ICR patient advocates will have access to all of the benefits provided to AACR-SSP participants including, but not limited to, access to the Advocacy/SSP Lounge, Mentor Working Groups, Special Interest Sessions, all Educational and Lecture Sessions, Advocate Reception, and Poster Presentation in the Exhibit Hall.

The AACR-SSP is for survivor and patient advocates who:

  1. Actively support cancer research through policy advocacy, research advocacy, and/or community outreach;
  2. Have a constituency with which they will share the knowledge they gain through the program;
  3. Have access to avenues for disseminating the knowledge gained from the program to colleagues and/or constituents;
  4. Are able to present an advocate poster during the AACR Annual Meeting;
  5. Are able to participate in all components of the multi-day in-person program (Friday – Wednesday).

How to Apply

To apply, submit the AACR-CIHR Online Application Form by Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at 11:59 pm ET.

Please note this application form is distinct from the general AACR-SSP application form. Please ensure you submit your application to the AACR-CIHR form. All application fields are required and incomplete applications will be withdrawn from consideration. Priority will be given to applicants who have not previously attended the AACR-SSP.

As noted in bullet #4 above, you must prepare and present a poster at this meeting. Questions 17 and 18 of the application form ask specifically for a title and description of this poster. Costs associated with the poster will be covered by CIHR-ICR.

If you wish to request a Word document of the application form to assist with writing your application, please e-mail us at cihr.icr@uhn.ca.

Contact Information

If you have any questions about this opportunity, please contact the CIHR Institute of Cancer Research at cihr.icr@uhn.ca.

Additional Information

More information about the AACR-SSP or the 2025 AACR Annual Meeting can be found at:

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