From Cells to Cures: The IU Genitourinary Cancer Symposium

The 2026 IU Genitourinary Cancer Symposium will spotlight the evolving landscape of genitourinary cancer research through the lens of Lineage Plasticity, exploring how tumor cells shift identity, evade treatment, and unlock new vulnerabilities. This is your opportunity to learn from cancer center researchers and distinguished guest speakers at the forefront of discovery. The symposium will highlight work from rising stars in GU Oncology nominated for the Michael O. Koch Research Excellence Award for Early Career Scholars. Speakers for the symposium will be announced soon.

Applications are open until August 24, 2026

Submit applications to: Urometab@iu.edu Subject line: 2026 Genitourinary Cancer Symposium

Letters can be addressed to: Clint Cary, MD, Chair of Urology, Asmaa El-Kenawi, PhD

Michael O. Koch Research Excellence Award for Early Career Scholars

Presented at the IU Genitourinary Cancer Symposium
Date: September 25, 2026
Location: Joseph E. Walther Hall, Indiana University School of Medicine
Hosted by: Indiana University Department of Urology

The Indiana University Department of Urology invites applications for the Michael O. Koch GU Oncology Research Excellence Award for Early Career Scholars. This award recognizes outstanding postdoctoral fellows conducting impactful research in genitourinary (GU) oncology, with a focus on prostate, kidney, bladder, or testicular cancers. The award will be presented at the “From Cells to Cures: The IU Genitourinary Cancer Symposium.”

Who Should Apply

Postdoctoral fellows who:

Conduct research in GU oncology, specifically in prostate, kidney, bladder, or testicular cancer
Work in areas related to survivorship, cancer epigenetics, or data sciences
Plan to pursue a career in academic research
Are of any nationality (U.S. citizenship or permanent residency not required)

Eligibility (as of application and symposium date)

Applicants must:

Be current postdoctoral researchers
Be conducting research aligned with the symposium’s themes and focused on GU cancers
Plan to enter the academic job market in Fall 2026 or later
Not have entered the academic job market or accepted a faculty position

Qualifications

Ideal candidates will:

Demonstrate innovative research contributions during postdoctoral training
Show a clear vision for an academic research career
Conduct research relevant to GU oncology and the symposium’s scientific priorities

Required Application Materials

Submit as a single PDF file:

Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Postdoctoral Research Narrative (1 page)
- Describe your research, rationale, discoveries, innovation, and significance
Future Research Directions (up to 1 page)
- Outline your proposed faculty research program, including background, rationale, and approach
Personal Statement (1/2 page)
- Share your personal journey, research motivation, and long-term goals

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Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon
Comprehensive Cancer Center

From Cells to Cures: The IU Genitourinary Cancer Symposium