2024 Professional Development Workshop Focuses on Collaboration
, by CRCHD Staff
Attendees at the 2024 Professional Development Workshop
On June 6–7, Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences (CURE), Intramural CURE (iCURE), and Early Investigator Advancement Program (EIAP) scholars; some NIH Faculty Institutional Recruitment for Sustainable Transformation (FIRST) program faculty; and NCI staff gathered for the 2024 Professional Development Workshop & Mentored Mock Review. The workshop aimed to equip attendees with practical techniques to move forward in their careers.
“Science has reached a level of complexity that is impossible to tackle alone,” said NCI Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities (CRCHD) Program Director Laritza Rodriguez, M.D., Ph.D., who opened the workshop. Accordingly, the theme of this year’s event was “The Framework: Creating Opportunities for Networking, Collaboration, and Partnership.” Interactive sessions focused on enhancing networking skills, fostering long-term partnerships, and broadening research experiences. With many NCI program directors in attendance, the workshop offered an opportunity to network with peers and NIH staff as well as a forum to exchange tips for networking and collaboration.
NCI Director Dr. W. Kimryn Rathmell speaks at the workshop.
Speakers included NCI Director W. Kimryn Rathmell, M.D., Ph.D., and CRCHD Director Sanya A. Springfield, Ph.D. Former CURE scholars spoke about how to build a network and the benefits of “collabo-friendships”—a word introduced by CURE Shining Star Adana Llanos, Ph.D., M.P.H. A panel of FIRST faculty described their career paths and shared their experiences and advice. The workshop also offered information on NCI resources, funding mechanisms, and the NIH grant review process, and attendees participated in roundtable discussions on a variety of topics.
On Day 2 of the workshop, the Mentored Mock Review session provided insight into the NIH peer review process to help attendees prepare to secure their next funding mechanism. A concurrent session tailored to iCURE scholars aimed to help participants think about the next steps in their careers.
Participants take part in a roundtable discussion.
The CRCHD staff was delighted to welcome the scholars, faculty, and other participants, each of whom brought unique skills, experience, and knowledge to the workshop.
“Our future is bright because it’s in your hands,” said Dr. Springfield.