The (CCRA) is a pivotal platform to share knowledge and advance our collective understanding of cancer. This November, CCRA hosted the Canadian Cancer Research Conference (CCRC) in Halifax, where scientists, clinicians, researchers and cancer patients came together to hear the latest developments in Canadian cancer research and network across various disciplines (adapted from ). Many members of the GCI, including, trainees, and researchers were in attendance, further contributing to the collaborative spirit that defines our field.
CCRA: A Pillar in Canadian Cancer Research
The CCRA has played a crucial role in fostering collaboration among Canadian cancer researchers and patient partners. The CCRC provides a forum for experts to present their latest findings, engage in scientific discourse, and forge connections with patients that drive innovation. This year, the CCRC encompassed an array of presentations and workshops touching on multiple topics in cancer research and patient care.
GCI鈥檚 Presence at the 2023 CCRC
The GCI's participation at the CCRC was highlighted by research projects, talks and poster presentations by GCI researchers and trainees. This year, GCI Prof. Ian Watson and his trainee Tiffany Lin had the opportunity to present their work: 鈥�It enabled me to meet and have discussions about my research with other people studying related topics!鈥� shares Tiffany.
Prof. Morag Park was in attendance with her team, including Luisa Izzi and trainee Annika Pederson. Prof. Park鈥檚 previous post-doctoral fellow, Prof. Elena Kuzmin, and her own trainees were also at the CCRC. Three generations of cancer researchers that stemmed from the GCI had the rare opportunity to gather and connect: 鈥�CCRC was a great place to learn about the newest advances in cancer research and connect with cancer research community all across Canada. This was a useful experience for my graduate students at all levels, enhancing the knowledge of students with mature projects and introducing students that recently started to cancer research more broadly,鈥� states Prof. Kuzmin.
Prof. Gojun Chen from the GCI had the opportunity to connect with numerous Canadian cancer researchers at the CCRC: 鈥�The dynamic exchange of ideas and insights not only enhanced my understanding of current advancements in cancer research but also enriched my work at the GCI on drug delivery, fostering a collaborative environment for advancing cancer treatment."
Several other GCI trainees were also in attendance, listening to diverse talks and roaming between the rows of poster. Chloe Liu states 鈥�The conference helped me to put my fundamental research into the big picture of patient care and motivated me to continue contributing to cancer research.鈥� This year鈥檚 CCRC was GCI trainee Ad茅line Mass茅鈥檚 first conference and : 鈥�I think CCRC2023 was an excellent opportunity for me to open-up my mind to subjects beyond the scope of my research such as the role of artificial intelligence in healthcare, liquid biopsies in cancer diagnosis, and cancer patient experiences.鈥�
The GCI emerged from the 2023 CCRC with a sense of accomplishment and renewed inspiration. As the GCI continues to push the boundaries of cancer research, its presence at CCRA serves as a testament to the dedication of its researchers and their commitment to advancing the fight against cancer. Please find below more testimonials from GCI trainees who were at the 2023 CCRC:
Did you have the opportunity talk with any researchers in the national community as a result of travelling to the conference, and do you think these conversations will be helpful for your research?
鈥�I had the opportunity to speak with several researchers (post docs and PIs) from across the country at my poster presentation. They provided helpful insight on different experiments or methods I could try that would help improve the efficiency of my methods and add more valuable data to my project,鈥� Annika Pederson, Park lab.
Do you have any advice for others on how to prepare a poster, or the best way to present and engage during a poster session?
鈥�To effectively prepare a poster, it is best to think about the story you want to tell before starting to work on the figures, and then organize it so it is easy to read, and you don鈥檛 have to jump around the poster to understand. For your poster to stand out during a poster session, you鈥檒l want to have a bright color pattern and an original title, as it is the first thing people will read as they walk by,鈥� Anne Blouin, McCaffrey lab.
Do you have any advice for other trainees on applying for travel awards?
鈥�Regarding travel award applications, I would say apply early, look out for awards in advance, search around for different awards you may be eligible for but are less well-known, even if they aren't worth as much money, and try to look through the website and program itinerary of your conference to help you write about how attendance will benefit your training and graduate experience,鈥� Alice Nam, Muller lab.