Details:

The IDeA (Institutional Development Award) State Cancer Trainee Research Conference, a first-of-its-kind, cancer-focused conference, is supported by a National Cancer Institute R13 conference grant. Travel, registration, and lodging for trainees will be covered by the WVU Cancer Institute with support from the NCI; eligible trainees must be currently training at an IDeA State-eligible institution and be either a graduate student currently enrolled in a PhD or MS degree granting program or a postdoctoral fellow. The first 25 postdoctoral fellows to register will be stipend eligible; other postdoctoral fellows are welcome to attend but will not be stipend-eligible. All trainees must submit an abstract. Trainees with a new or developing interest in cancer research are welcomed and strongly encouraged to submit their current research as an abstract.

Hosted by the WVU Cancer Institute, the symposium will be held April 13–15, 2026, at the Morgantown Marriott at Waterfront Place in Morgantown, West Virginia. The 2.5-day conference will bring together graduate trainees and faculty from IDeA states to explore the 2026 theme, The Intersection of Cancer and Metabolism.  There is no registration fee for trainees, faculty, or other attendees.

Programming includes a plenary lecture by Danny Welch, Ph.D. (University of Kansas School of Medicine) focused on metabolism and cancer metastasis, along with research presentations and networking opportunities with faculty experts from multiple IDeA State research institutions.
Registration:
Click here to register.
Hotel Accommodations and Meals:

A room block has been secured at the Morgantown Marriott at Waterfront Place, adjacent to the scenic Monongahela River and rail trail. The venue will house all attendees, including trainees. The nightly rate is $165.00 per night for non-trainee attendees, with check-in on April 12, 2026, and check-out on April 15, 2026.

Lodging for trainees will be fully covered by the WVU Cancer Institute and arranged directly by the conference coordinator. The trainee meeting registration also serves as a lodging reservation, so trainees should NOT book their own hotel accommodation. Faculty or non-trainees who will cover their own lodging costs can call for reservations at the number and mention the IDeA Conference for the rate, or use the booking link below.

Hotel Details:

Meals will be provided during conference hours, including an evening reception, for all registered attendees.

Abstract Information:

Abstract Submission: Here

All abstracts need to be submitted by March 2, 2026.

Posters and Oral Presentations will showcase and highlight the research and interests of biomedical science, clinical science, population health, behavioral science, data science, engineering, community-engaged research, or similar areas. Trainee oral presentations will be selected from the submitted abstracts by members of the Organizing Committee. Please use the link above to submit an abstract.

If you have any questions, please email Kelcie Sturgeon at ksturgeo@hsc.wvu.edu. We look forward to welcoming you to Morgantown for an engaging and collaborative scientific meeting.