Moving the Field Forward

SITC 2023 Awards

The Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer’s 2023 awards celebrate the achievements of current and future leaders in the cancer immunotherapy field. The work of these dedicated individuals that include young investigators, luminaries, leading organizations, regulatory agencies and industry seeks to propel the field forward and build a solid foundation for future advances and soon, a cure.

Browse the SITC 2023 Awards Book on the right. You can open the report in full screen view or download to your device.

Forward Fund

The future of cancer immunotherapy is rooted in research and education, primarily by early career scientists. The Forward Fund was established by the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) in 2012 to stimulate the future of science, development and application of cancer immunology and immunotherapy through financially supporting its education and research.

Ultimately, the Forward Fund (Donate online here) endeavors to provide grants and financially support activities and initiatives that:

Help attract the brightest young minds in cancer and/or immunology research to the cancer immunotherapy domain
Inform those outside of the cancer immunotherapy field about the huge promise of this modality. Cancer immunotherapy offers the potential to create long-term remissions and/or prolonged survival for people suffering from advanced cancer of a wide variety of types and educate clinical
Educate clinical oncologists regarding the application and potential benefits of this treatment modality

How the Forward Fund will achieve these goals

Provide grants to promising young post-doctoral researchers to help them complete cancer immunotherapy research projects and bridge the gap between their post-doctoral studies and academic or industry appointments
Encourage more young scientists to enter the field of cancer immunotherapy research at academic, governmental or industry institutions
Interact with patients and advocacy networks to address their specific needs for education and resources on cancer immunotherapy as an increasingly promising treatment option
Develop policies on best practices in cancer immunotherapy clinical trials, assessment of relevant immunologic biomarkers, and clinical management
Educate clinical oncologists and laboratory scientists on the complex state of the art principles underlying cancer immunology and their applications to the clinic
Expand international collaborations among cancer immunotherapy researchers to identify and overcome major barriers in the field worldwide

The Forward Fund currently sponsors young investigators and honors senior researchers with the following awards:

SITC Fellowship Awards

Since its inception, SITC has strongly supported the growth and achievement of young investigators in the field of cancer immunotherapy. As the field continues to expand, SITC has realized the event greater importance of fostering the growth and development of the next generation of cancer immunotherapy experts and tumor immunologists by providing them with additional support opportunities.

Learn more about the SITC Fellowship Awards.

SITC inspires early career scientists to advance the science of cancer immunotherapy. Listen to Dr. Marco Ruella, 2014 Fellowship Recipient, share how the Forward Fund influenced his career path.

Richard V. Smalley, MD Memorial Award and Lectureship

Presented since 2005 in memory of the society’s founder, the Richard V. Smalley, MD Memorial Award and Lectureship is the most prestigious award offered by SITC. The award serves to honor those that have been pioneers in their work and have made a notable impact worth of high regard and recognition by their peers.

SITC Young Investigator Awards

SITC offers awards to promote growth and achievement among young investigators in the field of cancer immunotherapy and to recognize excellence in SITC Annual Meeting oral abstract and poster presentations.

SITC is Inspiring the Next Generation of Leaders in Cancer Immunotherapy. Listen to Dr. Stefani Spranger, 2014 Presidential Travel Award Recipient, share the pivotal role the ForwardFund played in her professional development.

How You Can Help

Contributions in any amount to support the mission and efforts of the Forward Fund are welcome and appreciated. General contributions, tribute and memorial gifts can be made online or by completing and returning the printable pledge/contribution form.

For estate gifts, honoraria transfers and named honor funds, please contact SITC staff at development@sitcancer.org.

Corporate Opportunities

SITC offers a wide array of opportunities for corporate partners to engage with the society and interact with members and meeting attendees alike.

Click here to read more about how your organization can support the society.

Support the SITC Sparkathon Today

Launched in 2017, the SITC Sparkathon program aims to bring together young investigators of various backgrounds, degrees and professional experiences to collaboratively solve hurdles facing the field of cancer immunotherapy.

The first SITC Sparkathon class Met in August 2017 during a two-day retreat in Chicago where they competed in teams for funding to implement their innovative projects designed to solve a hurdle facing the field. Two projects were selected: Teams TimIOs and the METIOR Incubator. Both groups presented their findings during the 33^rd Annual Meeting & Pre-Conference Programs in November 2018.

In September 2018, the 2018 SITC Sparkathon class met in Chicago for a similar retreat. Learn about this class and follow their progress by visiting the SITC Sparkathon webpage on SITC CONNECT.

Be the Spark!

As a 501(c)(3) organization, donations made to SITC are tax deductible as a charitable contribution to the extent allowed by law.

Purchase a CURE Tee shirt

Show the world you're serious about cancer immunotherapy research by wearing a SITC CURE t-shirt.

Order shirts online or download an order form by clicking here.

Support SITC via AmazonSmile

When you shop via Amazon, consider using the society's AmazonSmile account. When shopping via this link, Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of eligible AmazonSmile purchases to SITC.