Application ProcessAboutOrganizersSupport Sparkathon

SITC Sparkathon was inspired by a challenge grant from an anonymous donor whose generosity made this unique program possible. 

Get an update when applications open for the Sparkathon Class of 2027.

Sparkathon Class of 2027 Organizers

Jennifer_Guerriero, PhD

CHAIR

Jennifer L. Guerriero, PhD
Brigham and Women’s Hospital

Thomas Marron

CO-CHAIR

Tom Marron, MD, PhD
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Alexandra Snyder, MD

ORGANIZER

Abigail Overacre-Delgoffe, PhD
University of Pittsburgh 

About Sparkathon

Download PDF of Application & Eligibility Criteria

Program Details, Goals & Outcomes

Participants must submit a completed application through Proposal Central by Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 12 p.m. PT/2 p.m. CT/3 p.m. ET. This program is intended for early-career scientists and physicians (PhD and/or MD) who expect to transition to an independent position in academia, government, or industry within the next 1-2 years. Individuals from diverse scientific backgrounds are encouraged to apply. A dedicated selection committee will review applications competitively, and emerging leaders in the field will be selected as the 2027 participants. Applicants should demonstrate a strong foundation in cell therapies and a clear commitment to advancing this area of research in their future independent careers.

  • Leadership. Develop leadership skills to direct a research or clinical team within academia, government, or industry, including understanding the challenges and responsibilities that new independent scientists face
  • Communication. Enhance scientific writing and presentation skills
  • Mentorship. Establish mentorship from world-renowned faculty and peers
  • Innovative Science. Design and implement projects that address an unmet need in the field of cell therapies
  • Job search. Prepare for academic, government, and industry job search
  • Collaboration. Build organic collaborations with peers and faculty across institutions, fostering efficient teamwork and advancing the field through shared expertise and collective outcomes
  • Networking. Develop affinity among peers and senior faculty
  • Engagement. Gain visible leadership opportunities within SITC

Eligibility

  • Applicants should be within approximately 1–2 years of transitioning to an independent faculty position or launching an independent research program. All applicants must have NIH Early Stage Investigator (ESI) status at the time of application, as verified through the NIH eRA Commons/ERA portal. Applicants must upload documentation of their current ESI status with their application
  • Instructor appointments are eligible only if the applicant holds active ESI status and has not yet established an independent research program (e.g., has not received multiple major independent research grants or equivalent). Career development and transition awards (e.g., K awards) do not affect eligibility and are permitted. A letter from the Chair of the department is required to state 1) the applicant is expected to transition to an independent faculty position within the next 1–2 years, and 2) They have not yet established an independent research program
  • Applicants should demonstrate dedication and research related to the 2027 Sparkathon topic, Next Generation of Cellular Therapies: In vivo, Ex vivo, Engagers and Beyond
  • It is preferred that applicants have some prior involvement with SITC. Examples may include service on a committee; receipt of a Presidential Travel Award, Presidential Award, fellowship, or other recognition; abstract submission or presentation; participation in a SITC educational event (e.g., Annual Meeting, workshop, or collaborative program); use of SITC educational resources or other meaningful interactions with SITC
  • Past Sparkathon participants are not eligible to apply

Participation Requirements 

  • Accepted applicants must be available to attend the two-and-a-half day in-person retreat from February 22-24, 2027, at the Rancho Bernardo Inn in San Diego, CA and the half-day program prior to SITC’s 42nd Annual Meeting & Pre-Conference Programs in National Harbor, MD. Accepted applicants are expected to attend all program sessions, meals, and activities
  • Accepted applicants will give a presentation on their current science and future directions
  • Accepted applicants will write a collaborative perspective paper with their fellow Class of 2027 participants as an outcome of the program
  • Accepted applicants are strongly encouraged to attend and submit an abstract to the SITC Spring Scientific program, which takes place February 24-26, 2027, immediately following the Sparkathon program at the Rancho Bernardo Inn in San Diego, CA
  • Accepted applicants are strongly encouraged to attend the Early Career Scientist (ECS) activities at SITC’s 42nd Annual Meeting & Pre-Conference Programs such as the Grant Writing Workshop, Meet the Expert Lunch, Speed Mentoring, ECS Networking and Sparkathon Receptions. The Sparkathon Reception is solely for Sparkathon Alumni
  • Accepted applicants are expected to conduct themselves professionally, responsibly, and ethically throughout the Sparkathon 2027 program. This includes active, uninterrupted participation; meeting all submission deadlines; being respectful and supportive of fellow participants; following general ethical standards; and complying with SITC’s Meeting Code of Conduct. Failure to meet these standards or other program requirements may result in dismissal from the program

Application Process

Sparkathon 2027 applications are due by Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026, at 12 p.m. PT/2 p.m. CT/3 p.m. ET.

Review Criteria

The selection committee will assess the following items for each candidate but will consider all other strengths and experiences emphasized in the application. Items are listed in order of importance:

  • Dedication and research related to the 2027 Sparkathon topic, Next Generation of Cellular Therapies: In vivo, Ex vivo, Engagers and Beyond
  • Scientific achievements and experience in cancer immunotherapy, as highlighted by publications, appointments, grants, awards, and presentations at conferences
  • Likelihood of securing an independent position in the next 2-3 years
  • Collaborative team player (for example, co-authoring a paper)

Applicants will be notified in December 2026 if they are accepted into the 2027 Sparkathon program.

“SITC Sparkathon was an inspiring and transformative journey. It allowed me to strengthen my leadership skills, collaborate with brilliant peers and mentors, and develop innovative ideas in cellular therapy for solid tumors. I am grateful for the skills, collaborations, and lasting connections gained through this unique program.” 
Nour Shobaki, PharmD, PhD
University of Pennsylvania
SITC Sparkathon Alumni

Complete Application Requirements

All components below must be uploaded to the electronic application system.

I. Cover Letter

  1. One-page document that outlines:
    • Current Training and Expertise: Identify your current stage of training (postdoc, fellow, etc.) and describe your research experience and expertise related to cell therapies.
    • Future Commitment: Describe your long-term interest in and commitment to advancing the field of cell therapies in your future independent career
    • Interest in the Program: Explain why you are interested in participating in the Sparkathon 2027 program and how it aligns with your career goals
    • Involvement with SITC and Cancer Immunotherapy: Describe your involvement with SITC and/or the field of cancer immunotherapy. Examples may include service on a committee; receipt of a Presidential Travel Award, Presidential Award, fellowship, or other recognition; abstract submission or presentation; participation in a SITC educational event (e.g., Annual Meeting, workshop, or collaborative program); use of SITC educational resources or other meaningful interactions with SITC
    • Career Development Plan: Provide a brief career development plan outlining your goals during your remaining training period, including the steps you will take to prepare for an independent position and your plan to obtain a faculty or other independent research position within the next two years

II. Letter of Recommendation

  1. The applicant’s role and academic appointment(s)
  2. The mentor’s role in the proposed research plan, including their commitment to provide support as necessary as the applicant transitions into an independent faculty position
  3. Potential for the applicant to develop into an independent investigator

III. NIH-Formatted Specific Aims Page

  1. One page NIH-formatted Specific Aims page on future work related to cell therapies

IV. Applicant’s NIH biosketch

  1. NIH-formatted biosketch generated through SciENcv that includes the applicant’s education and training history, publications, and current or pending grants and awards

  2. Documentation verifying current NIH Early Stage Investigator (ESI) status
    1. For instructor appointments only: Required Department Chair letter

V. Documentation verifying current NIH Early Stage Investigator (ESI) status

VI. For instructor appointments only: Required Department Chair letter

View Past Programs
SPARKATHON 2026SPARKATHON 2025SPARKATHON 2024SPARKATHON 2023SPARKATHON 2022SPARKATHON 2021SPARKATHON 2018SPARKATHON 2017

Professional Ethics

Professional, responsible, and ethical behavior is expected from participants throughout the Sparkathon 2027 program. This includes full and uninterrupted active participation, meeting submission deadlines, being respectful and supportive of fellow members, adhering to a general code of ethics, and adhering to SITC’s Meeting Code of Conduct. Failure to adhere to the highest ethical standards and other program requirements can result in possible termination from the project. Participants are required to be present for all program sessions, meals and activities.