2021
Canadian Cancer Research Conference
The 6th biennial and first-ever virtual Canadian Cancer Research Conference (CCRC) was held from November 8 – 11, 2021. The goal of the conference was to:
- Showcase the breadth and excellence of Canadian cancer research
- Allow leading experts from across all areas of cancer research to exchange knowledge and share ideas to strengthen Canada’s research community
- Support new investigators to establish themselves in the cancer research community
- Enhance patient involvement in cancer research in Canada
Going Virtual
Despite the many challenges posed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, researchers, trainees, clinicians, decision-makers, and patient partners were convened from across Canada and abroad to share the latest developments in Canadian cancer research and network across research disciplines. Originally planned for Halifax, the conference was successfully pivoted to a fully virtual, online experience on Pheedloop, our selected virtual event platform. We are very proud to have seen so much continued participation and engagement at the virtual conference, especially given the digital burnout many of us have been experiencing.
A Wide-Ranging Program
The scientific program featured leading national and international researchers from across the cancer research spectrum. Keynote session topics were cross-cutting to touch all four pillars of cancer research and included:
- Personalizing Big Data
- Aging Well with Cancer
- Tomorrow’s Cancer Therapies Today
- Understanding and Managing Risk – The saga of hereditary cancer
A Tradition of Patient Involvement
The Patient Involvement in Cancer Research Program (PIP) has been part of the CCRC since 2017. This year’s program provided 23 patient partners from across Canada with an opportunity to learn about leading-edge science from Canada’s cancer researchers and trainees and to, likewise, offer the scientific community an opportunity to network with patient partners keen on building their knowledge of cancer research and demonstrating the value that engaged patients can bring to the cancer research process. PIP was highlighted in a series of videos and all keynote and concurrent sessions were co-chaired with patient partners.
As part of its commitment to patient engagement research, the CCRA released its inaugural funding opportunity, a small grant competition geared to trainees and early career investigators. This funding opportunity was entirely adjudicated by PIP participants, providing them with hands-on experience. The top-rated grant applicant and winner of the competition was Dr. Stéphanie Bernard, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Rehabilitation. Dr. Bernard will receive $15,000 over one year for her project, “Exploring gynecologic cancer survivorship needs, barriers and facilitators to virtual pelvic health care: a patient-centred multi-methods study.”
Thank you to all the 2021 CCRC Supporters for their generous contribution to the conference, ensuring its success.
Read the Final Report of the 6th Biennial CCRCRead the CCRC 2021 Scientific Program