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 2024 American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Scientist↔Survivor Program® (SSP).

The AACR-SSP is being held in San Diego, California at the San Diego Convention Centre form April 5 to April 10, 2024, in conjunction with AACR's 2024 Annual Meeting, "Inspiring Science, Fueling Progress, Revolutionizing Care."

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 2024 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 (Saturday – Tuesday).

How to Apply

To apply, submit the AACR-CIHR Online Application Form by Tuesday, January 2nd, 2024 at 11:59 pm ET. Please note this application form is distinct from the general AACR-SSP application form, which has a different deadline. 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.

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 2024 AACR Annual Meeting can be found at:

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