New opportunity for cancer researchers to connect

Experts in cancer research from across the country will congregate to exchange knowledge and share ideas at the inaugural Canadian Cancer Research Conference in November 2011.

Organized by the Canadian Cancer Research Alliance (CCRA), the Partnership’s Research Advisory Group, the conference will bring together leading experts from all areas of cancer research and offer an important networking opportunity for trainees and young investigators. In addition, interested members of the public will have a chance to learn more about the impact of Canada’s research investment through the conference’s public forum.

The agenda will be of interest to anyone involved in basic science, clinical or policy research. The scientific program includes plenary sessions, parallel symposia, workshops and poster sessions, as well as special sessions for new investigators.

Holding a national cancer research conference was one of the actions recommended in the CCRA’s Pan-Canadian Cancer Research Strategy, which was developed to strengthen cancer research efforts across the country, guide investment of Canada’s research funders and accelerate discoveries that lead to better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer. The conference provides an opportunity to demonstrate the links between existing research activities and the priorities contained in the strategy.

Assisted by funding and support from the Partnership, the CCRA developed the cancer research strategy with input from its 23 allied organizations, as well as more than 1,000 scientists, clinicians, patients, survivors and policy makers. The membership of the CCRA includes research funding agencies, provincial research agencies, provincial cancer agencies and Canada’s cancer charities.

The conference runs from Sunday, November 27 to Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at Toronto’s Sheraton Centre Hotel. The public forum is planned for November 27.