Immune Monitor - March 2026

By SITC Communications posted 7 hours ago

A Message from the President

One of the most impactful ways the Forward Fund supports early-career investigators is through its fellowship program. These awards provide critical funding and mentorship to help launch independent research careers in immuno-oncology. Since 2014, these fellowships have provided $6.32 million in fellowship awards. Letters of intent for fellowship applications are due April 15, and I encourage eligible members to consider applying and to share this opportunity with trainees and colleagues.

We are also excited to announce that applications are open for the 2026 Women in Cancer Immunotherapy Network Leadership Institute, a flagship Forward Fund initiative focused on advancing and empowering women leaders in the field. This immersive program provides leadership training, mentorship, and a strong professional network. Applications are due March 27 at 12 p.m. EST for eligible females looking to grow in their IO career.

To further support participation, SITC will also offer travel awards for selected Women in Cancer Immunotherapy Network Leadership Institute attendees. Five travel awards will be granted to early-career investigators and clinicians attending the program in person, helping to supplement travel costs up to $750.

Looking ahead to SITC 2026, abstract submission opportunities will be opening soon. In addition to presenting the latest discoveries in cancer immunotherapy, early-career investigators will have the opportunity to be recognized through the Early Career Investigator Awards and associated travel awards. These awards recognize excellence in research submitted by students, postdoctoral fellows, clinical fellows, and junior faculty, while helping support their participation in the annual meeting. Selected award recipients may receive travel support and recognition for outstanding abstract submissions, with top young investigators invited to present their work during the Presidential Session.

None of these initiatives would be possible without the generosity of Forward Fund donors and partners, and the continued engagement of our members. Together, we are building a more inclusive, innovative, and collaborative future for cancer immunotherapy.

Thank you for being an active part of the SITC community. I look forward to all that we will accomplish together in the months ahead.

Program Spotlight

New Advances in Cancer Immunotherapy™ (ACI) Programs Available!

Explore eight programs covering today’s most relevant clinical topics! This ACI series features eight comprehensive programs covering relevant topics and recent groundbreaking data. Shaped and organized by 20+ clinical experts, these programs deliver practical insights to support the application of immunotherapy in clinical practice, while offering free CME, CNE, CPE or MOC credit.

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SITC's EU Immuno-Oncology Drug Development Summit – Sept. 3–4, 2026 in Lausanne, Switzerland

The 2026 EU Immuno-Oncology Drug Development Summit will educate and engage the European IO community on the next wave of IO therapeutics and ensure that active, innovative, new therapies are rapidly and appropriately moved into clinical testing. Register today to reserve your spot. Space is limited.

Discover Program & Register

SITC 2026 – Nov. 4–8, 2026 in Phoenix, AZ & Virtual

Get your research ready! Submit your abstract for a chance to present and discuss alongside luminaries in the immunotherapy field. All accepted abstracts will be published in the Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer (JITC). Regular and Early Career Investigator Award abstracts will be accepted from April 22–June 25, 2026. Late-breaking Abstracts will be accepted from July 15–Sept. 10, 2026.