SITC, Merck to Support Innovative Cancer Immunotherapy Research
Milwaukee, WI (PRWEB) January 26, 2015 -- The Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) is cultivating the next generation of cancer immunotherapy researchers by providing dedicated funding for the development of innovative treatment strategies, aiming to make the word “cure” a reality for cancer patients everywhere. With a shortage of U.S. physicians specializing in oncology predicted to occur by 2025, it is important now, more than ever, to secure the future of cancer immunotherapy research.
“The importance of immunotherapy for patients with cancer has been firmly established, and training the next generation of cancer care providers to fully understand the theoretical basis of tumor immunology and the clinical management of patients receiving immunotherapy is of the highest priority to the field,” explained SITC President Howard Kaufman, MD, FACS. “The SITC-Merck Cancer Immunotherapy Clinical Fellowship provides such an opportunity for the most promising young physician-scientists to pursue a career in tumor immunology and immunotherapy. I applaud Merck’s vision and support of this fellowship, which will help shape the future of the field and make strides in improving the lives of patients with cancer."
The SITC-Merck Cancer Immunotherapy Clinical Fellowship Award, available to individuals holding MD or joint MD/PhD degrees, is an opportunity for young investigators to catalyze their research and advance the science and application of cancer immunotherapy. In addition to providing one year of salary, equipment, supplies and fringe benefit support, the award recipient will be recognized among peers and luminaries in the field at an upcoming SITC Annual Meeting.
“Merck is honored to support the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer on this important initiative,” said Roger D. Dansey, MD, Senior Vice President, Global Clinical Development, Oncology, Merck Research Laboratories. “We welcome the opportunity to support young, promising scientists in their cancer research.”
The SITC-Merck Cancer Immunotherapy Clinical Fellowship Award is provided by the ForwardFund and supported by an independent educational grant from Merck (known as MSD outside the U.S. and Canada). Established in 2012, the ForwardFund aims to stimulate the future of the science, development and application of cancer immunology and immunotherapy through financially supporting its education and research.
Interested parties can find more information and apply for the fellowship online at http://www.sitcancer.org. Questions related to the fellowship should be directed to [email protected].
About SITC
Founded in 1984, Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) is a non-profit medical society dedicated to improving cancer patient outcomes by advancing the development, science and application of cancer immunotherapy through the core values of interaction, innovation and leadership. For more information on SITC, visit the Society website at http://www.sitcancer.org.
Ilona Gonzalez, Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer, http://www.sitcancer.org, +1 4149183121, [email protected]
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