
Representatives from member institutions are invited to join us for networking and discussion on current topics affecting the cancer research training community at the 22nd Cancer Biology Annual Retreat held at the Marriott Griffin Gate Resort hotel in Lexington, Kentucky beginning on Monday, October 5 through Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
Keynote Speaker
Karen E. Knudsen, MBA, PhD
Chief Executive Officer, Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy


Invited Speaker
Nastaran Zahir, PhD
Acting Director, Center for Cancer Training and Branch Director, Cancer Training Branch
National Cancer Institute
Programming includes:
- The latest information about the T32, Cancer Research Education Grants Program R25 (CREGP) & YES, and F & K award mechanisms along with tips and tricks for successful applications.
- The latest information on the CCSG’s CRTEC section including emphasis on impact, review under new CCSG guidelines, and mini site visits: Given the new guidelines and emphasis on impact of CRTEC, how we can implement new changes and expectations within the CRTEC section of the CCSG, and share site visit experiences.
- Practical Strategies for Strengthening Curriculum and Training Programs: Hear concise examples of curricular implementation that highlight innovation, challenges, lessons learned, and practical tips that others can adapt.
- Building strong Mentoring Relationships Across the Career Spectrum: Learn more abut healthy mentoring relationships and best practices for strengthening Mentor/Mentee relationships at all levels of career development as well as training Trainees and ESIs to be mentors through Summer Research Programs of CRTEC.
- Night Science, the creative scientific process, is explained with the thinking tools to generate new ideas; presented as a trainee workshop.
AGENDA (PDF) tba ATTENDEE LIST (PDF) tba INFO SHEET (PDF) tba
REGISTRATION PACKAGES:
ALL-INCLUSIVE $1249 Private Room Registration Package Includes two-nights hotel accommodations, six meals and all related conference fees, taxes and gratuities. Extra nights may be available at $177 per night. Registration Packages are based on availability and may sell out. All hotel reservations are managed by CABTRAC.
ALL-INCLUSIVE $1076 Roommate Registration Package Includes two-nights shared hotel room accommodations, six meals and all related conference fees, taxes and gratuities. Extra hotel nights may be available at $177 per night. Registration Packages are limited and may sell out. All hotel reservations are managed by CABTRAC.
ALL-INCLUSIVE $865 Trainee Registration Package: NEW this year: Trainee package includes the Night Science Workshop and three nights hotel accommodations! This discounted registration is available for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Fellows and includes three nights in a shared hotel room, eight meals and all related conference fees, taxes and gratuities. Trainee Registration Packages are limited and may sell out. All hotel reservations are managed by CABTRAC. All registered trainee attendees are required to participate in the Night Science workshop, Speed Mentoring and present a Poster. YES! You can add a Trainee Registration now and name the Trainee later.
Please register by role:
