Leadership Development

SITC’s investment in the next generation of immuno-oncology investigators is unparalleled. From comprehensive education to leadership development programs and high-yield networking, the society is committed to elevating future leaders who will carry this field to
new heights.

Cancer Immunotherapy Winter School

Conceived as a program to support career development opportunities for investigators and clinicians interested in immuno-oncology, the 5th annual SITC Cancer Immunotherapy Winter School provided early career scientists and clinicians a deep understanding of the core principles of tumor immunology and cancer immunotherapy, as well as developing areas in the field including biomarker technology, validation, and clinical integration; clinical trial design, data analysis and considerations for combination therapies.

Over 200 attendees

Four-day program on including topics on:

  • Cellular Mechanisms
  • Grantsmanship
  • Patient Considerations

Breakout sessions for clinicians and researchers

Special thank you to the Cancer Immunotherapy Winter School Organizers

Christian Capitini, MD
University of Wisconsin - Madison

Justin Eyquem, PhD
University of California San Francisco

Daniel Powell, PhD
University of Pennsylvania



Catherin Bollard, MBChB, MD
Children's National Hospital
2023 Program Advisor

Women in Cancer Immunotherapy Network Leadership Institute

SITC’s first DEI program, now in its fifth year, the Women in Cancer Immunotherapy Network (WIN) Leadership Institute is the only program that provides female professionals mentorship and guidance to succeed as emerging leaders in the field of cancer immunotherapy.

The two-day program explored how to:

  • Apply leadership skills to create an effective team environment in the workplace
  • Display a broad understanding of effective leadership roles and strategies
  • Navigate unique challenges that face female leaders in the field of cancer immunotherapy
  • Demonstrate the ability to understand and apply principles of effective communication in order to affect appropriate change in a variety of leadership settings
  • Rely on a network of women in the field of cancer immunotherapy for guidance and advice on advancing their career in cancer immunotherapy 

“This was a fantastic program! I learned so much and am grateful to the speakers for all the insights they shared.”

Learn more: sitcancer.org/win

“The SITC WIN program was incredibly inspiring. As a young scientist, every session was immensely helpful. Thank you so much for organizing this fantastic program.”

Sparkathon

This prestigious, impactful program brings together early career investigators with various backgrounds, degrees and professional experiences with leading experts to address obstacles in cancer immunotherapy. The Sparkathon class of 2023 collaborated on the latest research in toxicities in cancer immunotherapy through a synergistic environment. The opportunity to connect with other Sparkathon classes each year at SITC’s Annual Meeting & Pre-Conference Programs creates a broader network of early career scientists and offers more opportunities for cross-institutional collaboration.

“(Sparkathon) is one of the best and most effective programs I ever attended.”

“This program was exceptional. I learned so much from my peers and the program's faculty.”

Learn more: sitcancer.org/sparkathon

Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer (JITC) Peer Review Mentorship Program

To help train the next generation on the general practices of scientific peer review, JITC launched a Peer Review Mentorship Program that paired mentees with JITC editors and top reviewers, leading to the graduation of 18 participants from six countries in 2023. Given the overwhelming global interest the journal received during the first year, the program is expanding to pair 40 mentees from 12 different countries in 2024.

“Over time as a journal reviewer, I have witnessed notable improvements in my role. Specifically, my knowledge and expertise in immuno-oncology have significantly expanded. Additionally, my critical evaluation skills have sharpened, allowing me to provide more thorough assessments.”

Congratulations to the 2023 JITC Peer Review Mentorship Program Graduates

Yash Agarwal, PhD

Vaishali Aggarwal, PhD

Babajide Ajayi, PhD

Muhammad Awidi, MD

Elham Beyranvand Nejad, PhD

Avik Dutta, PhD

Jinesh Gheeya, MD, PhD

Katja Harbst, PhD

Sara Labiano, PhD

Yan Leyfman, MD

John Ligon, MD

Elise Nassif, MD

Dionisia Quiroga, DO, PhD

Kishu Ranjan, PhD

Ignacio Retamal, PhD

Aditi Singh, MD

Todd Triplett, PhD

Eric Vick, MD, PhD

JITC also sends its sincere gratitude and appreciation to the 2023 mentors for their generous time and commitment to the program:

Esra A Akbay, PhD

Alessio Cortellini, MD, PhD

Sofia Gameiro, PhD

Khashayarsha Khazaie, PhD

Il Minn, PhD

Ravi Patel, MD, PhD

Graham Pawelec, PhD

Nirali Shah, MD

Walter Storkus, PhD

Thank you to JITC's Peer Review Mentorship
Working Group

Sjoerd H. van der Burg, PhD
Chair and JITC Interim Deputy Editor-in-Chief

Margaret E. Gatti-Mays, MD, MP

Sebastian Kobold, MD

Claire Vanpouille-Box, PhD*
*Liaison to the SITC Early Careers Scientist Committee

Learn more: sitcancer.org/become-a-reviewer