Rising Stars
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Community
Bringing together Ontario’s next generation of cancer researchers
OICR Rising Stars in Cancer Research Network is a pan-Ontario network for students and trainees working in cancer research at the graduate (master’s, PhD) and postdoctoral levels. The network facilitates events, workshops, seminars, and awards to highlight trainee research and provide opportunities for trainees to collaborate, boost their skills, and strengthen their network.
2022 OICR Rising Stars Award
The Ontario Rising Stars in Cancer Research Network (Rising Stars) awards program aims to recognize world-class postdoctoral trainees and students across Ontario by highlighting those who demonstrate scientific potential and a high standard of scholarly achievement in cancer research as well as community engagement and leadership. We welcome all trainees to apply for these landmark awards.
This year, a total of six awards will be granted:
- Two awards of $1000 for Master’s students;
- Two awards of $2000 for PhD students; and
- Two awards of $2000 for postdoctoral fellows.
APPLICATION PROCESS
A complete application will include the following items:
- A one-page statement of research interests including a description of your research and the potential clinical and translational implications of your work (references not included in page length);
- A one-page personal statement;
- Two letters of recommendation;
- At least one reference letter should be from an Ontario-based investigator
- At least one reference letter should be from an academic reference*, and
- Applicants are encouraged to select at least one reference who can speak to the applicant’s leadership skills and/or community involvement.
- Reference letters should be emailed directly to Rising.Stars@oicr.on.ca using the naming convention: ApplicantLastName_ApplicantFirstName_Reference2022.pdf.
- References must be received by the deadline for the application to be considered complete.
- A copy of your recent CV (preferably formatted according to CIHR Academic Canadian Common CV).
Additionally:
- Postdoctoral Fellows only: A PDF version of the paper (either published in a peer-review journal or available on a pre-print server) you believe to be your most significant contribution to cancer research.
Awardees will be asked to take part in the virtual OICR Rising Stars Seminar Series and the All-Staff OICR meeting to present their work to the Ontario cancer research community.
Application for awards is currently closed.
Join Rising Stars
Spark collaborations, strengthen your network and elevate the impact of your research.
Sign up for the network below to gain access to:
- The Rising Stars Speaker Series featuring top trainee research
- Workshops on sought-after professional skills
- New funding opportunities for trainees (travel awards and scholarships)
- Conference meet-ups and networking events
- The Rising Stars Mentorship kick start program
- “Fireside Chat” series where acclaimed researchers provide career advice
- The latest local trainee research delivered right to your inbox.
For further information, please email rising.stars@oicr.on.ca or Join the mailing list
Rising Star FAQs
I defended my PhD and started my postdoctoral fellowship in the past calendar year. Which category of awards should I apply to?
All applicants should apply to the award category that best represents their current career stage. Reviewers will be asked to consider time spent in the program when making their assessments. Candidates are encouraged to highlight academic, community involvement and leadership contributions.
What should I be highlighting in the one-page personal statement?
The Ontario Rising Stars in Cancer Research Network (Rising Stars) awards program aims to recognize world-class postdoctoral trainees and students across Ontario by highlighting those who demonstrate scientific potential and a high standard of scholarly achievement in cancer research, as well as community engagement and leadership. The one-page personal statement should highlight a candidate’s excellence in cancer research and academic achievement; demonstrated leadership in the cancer research community and beyond; and any demonstrated community engagement impacting local communities or society at large.
What if I am applying to the PDF awards category and I don’t have a published paper or preprint available to submit?
We recognize that there are often factors beyond a candidate’s control that might impact their ability to have a publication or pre-print available for submission. As such, candidates may submit an excerpt from their thesis that highlights an important contribution to cancer research or published conference proceedings. Should none of these be available, candidates are welcome to submit a half-page description of special circumstances explaining why they are unable to submit any of the above.
Looking Ahead
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