SIOP-NEXT 2026 San Antonio Symposium


From Insight to Impact: Closing the Gap Between Basic Science and Clinical Trials


Date: Monday, September 14, 2026
Official Program Hours: 08:00 – 17:00
Location: Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), San Antonio, Texas
Main Event Room: Auditorium
Registration Fee: USD 25 (includes breakfast, lunch, and coffee breaks)

REGISTER HERE

About SIOP-NEXT

SIOP-NEXT is a global community of early-career professionals advancing pediatric oncology through translational research. We place childhood cancer biology at the heart of clinical trials, treatments, and patient care.

Who Should Attend?

This symposium is specifically tailored for early-career professionals pursuing careers in pediatric oncology with a focus on translational and preclinical research. This includes:

  • Postdoctoral Researchers
  • Clinician-Scientists
  • Senior PhD Candidates

Our goal is to support you by promoting international collaboration, strengthening professional networks, and facilitating exchange between laboratory and clinical communities across diverse healthcare and research settings.

Preliminary program:

  • 08:00 – 08:45 | Breakfast & Networking

    • Pre-assigned, topic-focused tables to encourage early interaction (based on pre-meeting participant survey):

    • Leukemia/Lymphoma
    • Brain Tumors
    • Solid Tumors
    • Stem cell transplantation and cellular therapies
    • Rare Diseases
  • 08:45 – 09:00 | Welcome and Introduction
  • 09:00 – 10:00 | Inspiring Session I: Integrating Biological Research into Clinical Trials

    • Speakers:
    Kara L. Davis, MD (Stanford Medicine; Vice Chair, Biology, ALL Committee, Children’s Oncology Group)

    Pablo Domizi, PhD (Stanford Medicine; Postdoctoral Fellow)

    A dual presentation highlighting the integration of translational science into clinical trials, combining senior leadership and early-career perspectives, including career development insights.

  • 10:00 – 10:30 | Panel Discussion & Audience Q&A

    • Topic: Bridging basic, translational, and clinical research in pediatric oncology

  • 10:30 – 11:00 | Coffee Break & Networking
  • 11:00 – 12:00 | Inspiring Session II: Advancing Translational Research in LMIC Settings

    • Speakers:
    Dr. Nickhill Bhakta (St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital)
    Collaborating scientist from LMIC (TBC)

    Focus on innovative approaches to integrating diagnostics and biology into clinical care and trials, including global collaborations.

  • 12:00 – 12:30 | Panel Discussion & Audience Q&A

    • Topic: Opportunities and challenges in conducting translational research in LMICs

  • 12:30 – 13:30 | Mentoring Lunch

    • Pre-assigned small-group discussions with mentors (based on pre-meeting participant survey):

    Kara L. Davis
    Pablo Domizi
    Nickhill Bhakta
    TBD

  • 13:30 – 14:15 Interactive session |Turning Discovery into Impact: What Role Can SIOP Play?

    • Moderator: TBD

  • 14:30 – 15:15 | Inspirational Lecture I: Career Development, Funding, and Opportunities within SIOP + discussion
  • Speakers (TBC):
    Prof. M.M. van den Heuvel-Eibrink (Chair, SIOP Scientific Committee)
    Susanne Wollaert (Chief Executive Officer SIOP)

    Focus on available grants, funding opportunities, and career development pathways within SIOP for early-career researchers in translational and preclinical pediatric oncology.

  • 15:15– 15:45 | Inspirational Lecture II: TBC

    • Speaker: Prof. Susanne Turner

    Topic (tentative): Why Understanding Cancer Biology Is Still the Key to Better (and Kinder) Therapies

  • 15:45 – 16:00 | Group Photo Opportunity
  • 16:00-16:30 | Discussion & Audience Q&A with Prof. Rob Pieters (SIOP President)

    • Topic: Navigating career development, funding, and engagement opportunities within SIOP

  • 16:30 – 17:00 | Wrapping up: the future of SIOP NEXT
  • 17:00 – 18:00 Networking drinks with mentors

    • Registration & Fee Information

    To formalize your attendance at the SIOP-NEXT 2026 Symposium, please review the registration guidelines below:

    Registration Fee

  • Symposium Rate:

    • USD 25

  • What’s Included:

    • Full access to all scientific presentations, interactive panel discussions, and workshop materials. The fee completely covers your catering for the day, including breakfast, lunch, and all mid-session coffee breaks.

    Payment & Confirmation Process
    1. Form Submission: Fill out your contact information and session preferences in the interactive form below.
    2. Payment Processing: Part of the registration process via a secured link.
    3. Final Confirmation: Will be sent automatically once the payment has been processed.

    Important Trainee Note: If you are registering as a Senior PhD candidate or trainee, please ensure your institution details are accurately noted to assist the organizing committee with matching your profile to relevant mentors.

    REGISTER HERE

    We thank UT Health San Antonio for their generous support and Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute (CCRI) for hosting us.