The Professional Development Sessions at the AACR Annual Meeting 2026 will provide early-career researchers with the opportunity to learn from experienced scientists, refine their grant-writing skills, plan their career trajectories, and more.
The AACR Science Education and Career Advancement Committee (SECAC), which supports AACR’s career development activities, was instrumental in organizing the series in a collaboration with the AACR Women in Cancer Research (WICR) constituency group, the AACR Minorities in Cancer Research (MICR) constituency group, and the AACR Associate Member Council (AMC).
“We are looking forward to an exciting slate of Professional Development Sessions in San Diego during this year’s AACR Annual Meeting. The main objective of these sessions is to equip the AACR membership with the tools and resources needed to become outstanding cancer research investigators,” said Brian Rivers, PhD, MPH, of Morehouse School of Medicine, who is chair of the AACR SECAC. “I would strongly encourage AACR members to attend as many Professional Development Sessions as they can.”
As early-career cancer researchers look to start their labs, pursue funding for their projects, and distinguish their work, mentorship from more established scientists allows up-and-coming investigators to benefit from decades of knowledge and more easily navigate the road to developing mature research programs, Rivers noted.
Attendees of the Professional Development Sessions will learn from researchers who preceded them about the fine points of how to flourish in the world of cancer research.
New to the program this year is “A Dialogue with Industry,” featuring distinguished experts from industry who will offer early- and mid-career investigators a look at alternative career paths. The new session—a “must-attend” according to Rivers—will cover how academically trained scientists can explore career opportunities in industrial research and development. Representatives from biotech and pharmaceutical firms will share stories of their own career journeys and network with attendees.
And back by popular demand, the session “Grant Writing Workshop: Tips for Success From Experienced Scientists” will once again walk early-career investigators through strategies for securing research funding. Experienced, funded researchers will share their do’s, do-not-do’s, and general tips for success that can take grant proposals from conventional to competitive.
“We are at a critical moment in science in the United States, with shifts in research priorities and extramural funding. Now, more than ever before, we are witnessing many in the field of cancer research attempting to navigate the uncertainty of this ever-changing landscape,” Rivers said. “Our hope is that, through these Professional Development Sessions, AACR members will acquire relevant tools and resources integral to acclimate to this changing landscape and pursue their dreams of becoming cancer research investigators.”
For the most up-to-date information on session dates, times, and locations, check the Annual Meeting App and Online Itinerary Planner.
PDS01: Grant Writing Workshop: Tips for Success From Experienced Scientists
Friday, April 17, 1-4 p.m. PT
Grand Hall A – Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
Session Chairs: Valerie Odero-Marah, PhD, Morgan State University; Sandra W. Ryeom, PhD, Columbia University Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center; Rui Li, MD, PhD, University of California, Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine; and Luz Maria Rodriguez, MD, National Cancer Institute
An intensive three-hour workshop on the art of grant writing and the scientific review process. Ideal participants are scientists and physicians early in their academic career who are actively writing grants, have submitted grants, and those who have intentions of submitting a grant in the next one to two years. This workshop aims to provide investigators with practical tools to write competitive grants. Focus is on how to write well for grants, how to structure an Aims page to help the reviewer “get” all the information you want them to, and how to write an Aims page that makes a reviewer excited about your grant. We will address different types of grants from NIH (Rs, Ks, Fs, etc.) as well as grants from other countries. We will also discuss Summary Statements (“pink sheets”) and have a panel where participants can ask experienced scientists about grants and grant reviews.
PDS02: How to Design a Successful Career Path in Cancer Research: From Doctoral to the First Five Years of a Cancer Research Career
Friday, April 17, 5-7 p.m. PT
Grand Hall A – Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
Session Chairs: José G. Treviño, II, MD, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine; Greisha L. Ortiz Hernández, PhD, City of Hope; Charnita Zeigler-Johnson, PhD, MPH, Temple University Fox Chase Cancer Center; and Mariana C. Stern, PhD, University of South Carolina Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center
This session offers early-career investigators an opportunity to learn about key strategies that can aid in the transition from trainee positions to their next career-stage pursuit of their first independent research position. The discussion will center around advice in avoiding “pitfalls” and developing “alternative” proven tactics to enhance the probability of success in this process. An expert panel of established investigators will share their invaluable advice on navigating the first steps in a successful career in cancer research. This session is designed specifically for those who are making the transition from trainee positions to their next career stage.
PDS03: Personalized Career Conversations
Sunday, April 19, 5-7 p.m. PT
Grand Hall AB – Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
Session Chairs: Antonio T. Baines, PhD, North Carolina Central University; Cody L. Wolf, PhD, University of Virginia; Lorna Rodriguez-Rodriguez, MD, PhD, City of Hope; and Melissa Junttila, PhD, ORIC Pharmaceuticals
This session, organized collaboratively by the AMC, MICR Council, SECAC, and WICR Council, offers early-career AACR Associate Members a valuable professional development opportunity. Participants will engage in two individualized, 15-minute conversations with distinguished cancer researchers representing academia, government, and industry. In addition to these one-on-one discussions, attendees will be able to network informally with peers and members of the organizing groups to gain diverse insights into career pathways and development. The event is free to attend; however, preregistration is required.
PDS04: Building Your Effective Mentorship Team: Challenges, Successes, and Essential Strategies at Every Stage in Your Career
Sunday, April 19, 6-8 p.m. PT
Grand Hall CD – Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
Session Chairs: Heather K. Beasley, PhD, Vanderbilt University Medical Center; Electron Kebebew, MD, Stanford University School of Medicine; and Katherine Y. Tossas, PhD, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine
Navigating a successful career in cancer research, whether in academia, industry, or government, can be daunting. Establishing a team of mentors to guide you along the way is an essential step as you begin your journey. In this highly interactive session, cancer researchers with a strong commitment to mentoring and supporting the professional development of cancer research investigators will share their knowledge and experience leading mentoring teams. Hear their stories and learn how to build and take full advantage of an effective mentoring team, whether you are a trainee, an early-stage investigator, or a later-stage investigator considering a career change.
PDS05: Navigating a Path to a Successful Career in Cancer Research
Tuesday, April 21, 5-7 p.m. PT
Harbor Ballroom FGH – Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
Session Chairs: Christopher Sistrunk, PhD, City of Hope; Johnson Ung, PhD, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; Yamilé Molina, MPH, PhD, University of Illinois Cancer Center; and Arti Patel Varanasi, PhD, MPH, Advancing Synergy
This dynamic and interactive session, followed by a networking reception, offers students, early-career researchers, and early-stage investigators a valuable forum to explore key career development topics and essential professional skills. Participants will engage in informal, mentored roundtable discussions, each centered on a preselected professional development theme. These discussions are facilitated by established scientists representing diverse sectors—including academia, government, and industry providing attendees with a broad range of perspectives and guidance.
PDS06: A Dialogue with Industry: Career and Collaboration Opportunities
Tuesday, April 21, 5:30-7:30 p.m. PT
Seaport Ballroom FGH – Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
Session Chairs: Brian M. Rivers, MPH, PhD, Morehouse School of Medicine; Susan Galbraith, MBBChir, PhD, FAACR, AstraZeneca; Carmen E. Guerra, MD, MSCE, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine; and Tejaswini P. Reddy, MD, PhD, Baylor College of Medicine
This must-attend Professional Development Session will provide early- and mid-career investigators the opportunity to hear from leaders in biotech and pharma about their career journeys. The session will include inspiring talks from the panelists sharing their experience on how to navigate a successful career in industry, followed by a moderated panel discussion where attendees will be able to interact with the panelists about career and collaboration opportunities with industry. The session will explore the professional journeys of industry leaders, and each speaker will discuss factors that have contributed to their success in industry, how they overcame barriers and disruptions, and offer advice on how to leverage opportunities that currently exist to develop the next generation of industry leaders in cancer research. At the culmination of the session, attendees will have the opportunity to network.
PDS08: From Hypothesis to Headline: Publishing Your Research
Monday, April 20, 5:30-7 p.m. PT
Grand Hall A – Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
Session Chairs: Christine A. Iacobuzio-Donahue, MD, PhD, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; and Timothy A. Yap, MBBS, PhD, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Moderated by the editors-in-chief of Cancer Research and Clinical Cancer Research, this interactive session is designed to support early-career researchers in navigating the publishing process. From selecting the right journal, to writing and structuring a compelling manuscript, to managing peer review and revisions, participants will gain practical insights and actionable strategies for successful publication. Editors will share tips, examples, and best practices throughout the session, with opportunities for discussion and Q&A. Preregistration is required.
Register Today for the AACR Annual Meeting 2026 »
Don’t miss the world’s premier cancer research event, April 17 to 22 in San Diego. In-person and virtual registration packages include access to live sessions, Q&A, networking, CME/MOC credits for select sessions within the Educational Program, and more.
