Strengthening foundations for early-career cancer researchers

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In November 2023, the Stanford Cancer Institute (SCI) launched the Junior Faculty Forum to foster a culture of collaboration and support for early-career cancer researchers in basic, translational, clinical, and population sciences. The forum provides opportunities for professional growth, networking, research advancement, and lab development through structured quarterly seminars that equip new researchers with essential tools, foster discussions, and provide valuable learning experiences. 

To date, five sessions have been held and have featured distinguished speakers, including Stanford Cancer Institute members Michelle Monje, MD, PhD,  professor of neurology and neurological sciences, Melinda Telli, MD, professor of medicine, vice dean Linda Boxer, MD, PhD, and Stanford Cancer Institute’s associate director of Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Terrance Mayes, MSOL, EdD. These sessions covered key topics relevant to early-career researchers, including developing investigator-initiated therapeutic cancer clinical trials, implementing team-science approaches in research labs, using AI for grant competitiveness, navigating promotions and tenure processes, and mentoring across differences. 

Feedback surveys indicate that participants feel the forums have improved collaboration and connection with senior leaders, facilitated a deeper understanding of institutional processes, and created a greater sense of community. 

The program was developed under the leadership and guidance of James Ford, MD, former associate director of the Stanford Cancer Institute Cancer Research Training Education Core (CRTEC). Pauline Funchain, MD, the new associate director of Stanford Cancer Institute Cancer Research Training and Education, plans to expand the forum’s offerings for the upcoming year by continuing to incorporate feedback from cohort members. This personalized approach will address participants' unique learning needs and foster a sense of value and support within the community. 

Funchain says, “I am looking forward to continuing the great work started by Dr. Ford in helping early-career cancer researchers grow their skills and make connections within the broader Stanford Medicine community such that they can successfully engraft in the Stanford community and more easily access the wealth of Stanford resources, in order to accelerate their paths to meaningful research and to becoming impactful leaders in their fields.”

Future talks will explore non-traditional topics to promote belonging and improve communication. Funchain intends to focus on clinical trial recruitment and communication strategies, including how to effectively explain risks, randomization, and expectations of personal benefits. She aims to continue to curate topics that are an integral part of young faculty development to ensure the forum remains an important resource for new cancer researchers at the Stanford Cancer Institute.    

October 2024