From Cells to Cures: The IU Genitourinary Cancer Symposium

The “From Cells to Cures: The IU Genitourinary Cancer Symposium” will spotlight the evolving landscape of GU oncology research from enhancing survivorship and improving quality of life beyond treatment, to uncovering novel therapeutic targets through the lens of epigenetics and metabolism.

The symposium will also feature how artificial intelligence and data science transform diagnostics, treatment planning, and personalized care. This is your opportunity to connect with national leaders.

Guest Speakers:

Christina Dieli-Conwright (Dana-Farber Cancer Institute)
Michael Hoyt (University of California-Irvine)
Anders Berglund (Mayo Clinic Jacksonville)
David Labbe (McGill University)

The symposium will be held in Joseph E. Walther Hall on Sept. 26 and is sponsored by the Indiana University School of Medicine’s Department of Urology.

The symposium will highlight work from rising stars in GU Oncology nominated for the Michael O. Koch Research Excellence Award for Early Career Scholars.

Michael O. Koch Research Excellence Award for Early Career Scholars

The Indiana University School of Medicine’s 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 during the 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 2025 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
Faculty Letter of Support
- From any faculty member (not necessarily your primary mentor)

Application Deadline: Aug. 15, 2025

Submit applications to: Urometab@iu.edu Subject line: 2025 Genitourinary Cancer Symposium

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

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From Cells to Cures: The IU Genitourinary Cancer Symposium