Sparkathon 2025

Application ProcessSpring Scientific OpportunityAboutOrganizersSupport Sparkathon

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

About Sparkathon

download pdf of application & eligibility criteria

Accepted applicants into this elite program will participate for free and receive reimbursement for eligible travel expenses to SITC Sparkathon.

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Sparkathon Organizers

Jennifer_Guerriero, PhD

CO-ORGANIZER

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

Alexandra Snyder, MD

CO-ORGANIZER

Marco Ruella, MD
University of Pennsylvania

General Information

Khaaliq_Thomas_SITC_2018_Sparkathon_SML-405.jpgSITC will select eligible, qualified early career scientists for the Sparkathon Class of 2025. The Sparkathon will explore topics specifically designed for emerging leaders in the cancer immunotherapy field with a focus on cellular therapy for solid tumors. Applicants should exhibit dedication and research related to the 2025 Sparkathon topic, “Cellular Therapies for Solid Tumors."

The Sparkathon Class of 2025 will attend the Sparkathon program on March 10–12, 2025, in San Diego, CA. Accepted participants will also convene at a second meeting on Nov. 5, 2025, prior to the society’s 40th Annual Meeting & Pre-Conference Programs (SITC 2025) in National Harbor, MD.

Program Details, Goals & Outcomes

Participants apply by completing an electronic application. Applications are due by November 18, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. PST. A dedicated review committee will select participants on a competitive basis. The selection process aims to recruit early career scientists and physicians planning to transition to an independent position within academia, government or industry in the next 2-3 years. Twelve to fifteen emerging leaders in the field will be selected as the 2025 “Sparkies”. We encourage applicants with diverse background and diverse scientific expertise related to the topic of Cellular Therapies for Solid Tumors to apply.

  • Leadership. Development of leadership skills to direct a research team within academia, government, or industry.
  • Communication. Enhancement of scientific writing and presentation skills.
  • Mentorship. Establishment of continued mentorship from world-renowned faculty and peers.
  • Science. Design and implementation of innovative projects that address an unmet need in immune-oncology.
  • Job search. Preparation for an academic, government, and industry job search.
  • Running a Research Group. Better understanding of the challenges and responsibilities that new independent scientists face.
  • Research Collaboration. Opportunity to form organic collaborations with peers and faculty to work cross-institutionally to efficiently create outcomes to enhance the field.
  • Networking. SITC Sparkathon participants and alumni will develop affinity amongst their peers and the senior faculty.
  • Engagement. Emerging leaders may receive more visible leadership opportunities within the society.

Eligibility

  • Participants must plan to transition from their mentored position to a full-time independent role in academia, government or industry within the next 2-3 years. Example of these positions include: Post-Doctoral Fellow, Clinical Fellow, Research Associate, etc.
  • It is desirable for applicants to have had some involvement with SITC, for example applicants can have: received a SITC award or fellowship; submitted an abstract; attended a SITC educational event such as the SITC Annual Meeting, Spring Scientific or collaborative program; created or updated their profile on the SITC Connect website, posted on a discussion board on the SITC CONNECT website; utilized SITC’s online resources; provided feedback to SITC in some way such as responding to a survey; etc.
  • Participants must complete and submit an application by 5:00 p.m. PST on November 18, 2024. Complete applications will consist of: a.) a cover letter with a brief career development plan; b.) letter of recommendation from mentor; and c.) a one-page NIH-formatted Specific Aims Page, and d.) the applicant’s NIH biosketch.
    • Applicants should exhibit dedication and research related to the 2025 Sparkathon topic, “Cellular Therapies for Solid Tumors.”
    • Please review the complete application requirements and review criteria at the end of this document.
  • Participants must be available to attend the two-and-a-half-day in-person retreat from March 10-12, 2025, in San Diego, CA and the 2025 SITC Annual Meeting & Pre-Conference Programs* to participate in a one-day in-person program on November 5, 2025, in National Harbor, MD.
  • Participants are strongly encouraged to attend the ECS activities at SITC 2025 such as the Grant Writing Workshop, Meet the Expert Lunch, Speed Mentoring, ECS and Sparkathon Receptions, etc.*
    • Accepted applicants will participate for free in the Sparkathon 2025 program and receive travel and lodging reimbursement for the program.
    • Accepted applicants will also receive travel and lodging reimbursement for attending the one-day program before the 2025 SITC Annual Meeting & Pre-Conference Programs.
    • Accepted applicants are strongly encouraged to attend and submit an abstract to the SITC Spring Scientific program, Cell Therapy for Solid Tumors, which takes place March 12-14, 2025, also at the Rancho Bernardo Inn in San Diego, CA. Accepted applicants will receive complimentary registration to the Spring Scientific.
    • Accepted applicants will need to write a perspective paper with their fellow Class of 2025 participants as an outcome of the program.
    • *Please note: Accepted applicants do not receive complimentary registration for the SITC Annual Meeting or Pre-Conference Programs. 

Application Process

Sparkathon 2025 applications are due by Monday, Nov. 18, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. PDT.

Applicants will be notified if they are accepted in December 2024.

Apply Today

Participants apply by completing an electronic application. Applications are due by Monday, Nov. 18, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. PDT. A dedicated review committee selected participants on a competitive basis. The selection process aims to obtain a balanced class with diverse representation across institutions. 

Review Criteria

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

  • Likelihood of securing an independent position in the next 2-3 years
  • Dedication and research related to the 2025 Sparkathon topic, “Cellular Therapies for 
    Solid Tumors”
  • Collaboration/team player (for example through co-authoring a paper)
  • Communication
  • Knowledge of and experience in cancer immunotherapy
  • Publications
  • Appointments/varied experience so far in career
  • Grants/awards received
  • Presentations given

*Priority will be given to applicants who reside in and are employed at an institution located in the United States. However, international applicants may be selected based on merit.

*In alignment with SITC’s diversity, equity and inclusion strategic plan, the Sparkathon program aims to enhance diversity by increasing participation from underrepresented populations in the U.S. Biomedical Sciences according to the NIH Statement on Diversity. Priority will be given to qualified applicants who identify as an underrepresented group or from a diverse background based on self-reported data in the application.

“FANTASTIC program on so many levels - most importantly in the structured and sustainable way it brings together rising motivated diverse investigators in the field. Writing a paper together is a great way to keep the momentum of collaboration going.”
Teresa Kim, MD
University of Washington - School of Medicine
SITC Sparkathon Class of 2022

COMPLETE APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

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

I. Cover Letter

  1. This document should state briefly:
    • Why you are interested in participating in the Sparkathon 2025 program
      and commitment to the program’s topic: Cellular Therapies for Solid 
      Tumors
    • Your involvement with SITC and/or the field of cancer immunotherapy 
      (such as through a committee; receipt of a Presidential Travel Award 
      or the Presidential Award; awardee of a SITC fellowship; submission 
      of an abstract; attending a SITC educational event such as an Annual
      Meeting, interim workshop or collaborative program; creating or 
      updating your profile on the SITC CONNECT website; posting on a 
      discussion board on the SITC website; using SITC’s online resources; 
      providing feedback to SITC in some way such as responding to a 
      survey; etc.)
    • Interest/passion for immunotherapy; Brief description of current and 
      future research and how it relates to the program topic
    • Your qualifications
    • Career Development Plan: Career objectives and plan to obtain a faculty 
      position in the next two years
    • Any additional information that will enhance your application and/or 
      address the review committee’s selected review criteria outlined in 
      section

II. Letters of Support

  1. Mentor’s Statement of Support: This letter should be from individual acting as a fellowship mentor to the applicant. It must clearly present:
    • The applicant’s role and academic appointment(s)
    • The sponsor’s role in the proposed research, including plans to provide support as necessary
    • Plans and potential for the applicant to develop into an independently funded investigator

III. NIH-Formatted Specific Aims Page

  1. One page NIH-formatted Specific Aims page on your future work in the area of Cellular Therapies in Solid Tumors.

IV. Candidate's NIH Biosketch

  1. The biosketch must include a history of applicant’s training, publications and full disclosure of all grants or awards currently received or pending.

Special Opportunity for Sparkathon Class of 2025

Spring Scientific LogoAccepted Sparkathon 2025 participants will be offered complimentary registration and are encouraged to attend the Spring Scientific: Cellular Therapy for Solid Tumors, taking place in San Diego, CA and virtually on March 12-14, after the Sparkathon program.

SITC SPARKATHON ALUMNI NETWORK

After participation in the Sparkathon 2025 program, emerging leaders will come together to create an alumni network to further their work, make new and strengthen existing connections, and serve as a resource for subsequent classes. This network will facilitate collaborations among members and as demonstrated leaders, members may be considered for future society leadership opportunities, including high profile committee and Board service.

COVID-19 Measures

At SITC programs, our goal is to have a safe and meaningful in-person experience. SITC will refer to the CDC COVID-19 Community Levels to guide health precautions for in-person meetings. In addition, SITC strongly recommends that in-person meeting attendees take the following precautions:

  • Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations
  • Take a rapid COVID test prior to attending a meeting and do not attend in person if you test positive
  • Do not attend the meeting if you have symptoms that could be consistent with a “cold” or any other respiratory infection and leave the meeting if you develop such symptoms
  • Wear a mask in crowded indoor settings
  • Follow all health and safety protocols as required by SITC and local and state health departments
  • Review current CDC and applicable local guidance for protecting yourself from COVID-19

Attendees will have access to the meeting content online if they are unable to attend in person due to illness or a positive COVID test. For hybrid programs, attendees can change from in-person to online-only registration by contacting events@sitcancer.org. 

Registered attendees will be notified in advance of any changes to precautions, recommendations or requirements for a SITC meeting.

View Past Programs

SPARKATHON 2023SPARKATHON 2022 SPARKATHON 2021 SPARKATHON 2018 SPARKATHON 2017

PROFESSIONAL ETHICS

Professional, responsible, ethical behavior is expected from participants throughout the Sparkathon 2025 program. This includes 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 of ethical standards and other program requirements can result in possible termination from the project.