Application ProcessAboutOrganizersSupport Sparkathon

SITC Sparkathon was inspired by a challenge grant from an anonymous donor whose generosity made this unique program possible. 

Get an update when applications open for the Sparkathon Class of 2027.

Sparkathon Organizers

Jennifer_Guerriero, PhD

ORGANIZER

Jennifer L. Guerriero, PhD
Brigham and Women’s Hospital

Alexandra Snyder, MD

ORGANIZER

Marco Ruella, MD
University of Pennsylvania

Daniel Powell

PROGRAM LIAISON

Daniel Powell, PhD 
University of Pennsylvania

About Sparkathon

Download PDF of Application & Eligibility Criteria

Accepted applicants into this elite program will participate for free and receive reimbursement for eligible lodging expenses at SITC Sparkathon.

General Information

Khaaliq_Thomas_SITC_2018_Sparkathon_SML-405.jpgSITC will select eligible, qualified early career scientists for the Sparkathon Class of 2026. Sparkathon will explore topics specifically designed for emerging leaders in cancer immunotherapy, with a focus on next-generation Cellular Therapies, T cell Engagers, and Combinations . Applicants should exhibit dedication and research related to the 2026 Sparkathon topic, “Next-generation Cellular Therapies, T cell Engagers, and Combinations". The Sparkathon Class of 2026 will attend the Sparkathon program on March 23-25, 2026, in Tucson, AZ. Accepted participants will also convene at a second meeting prior to SITC 2026, our 41st Annual Meeting & Pre-Conference Programs in Phoenix, AZ.

Program Details, Goals & Outcomes

Participants apply by completing an electronic application. Applications are due by Nov. 20, 2025, at 8 a.m. ET. A dedicated review committee will select participants on a competitive basis. The selection process aims to recruit early career scientists and physicians planning to transition to an independent position within academia, government or industry in the next 2-3 years. Twelve emerging leaders in the field will be selected as the 2026 “Sparkies”. Applicants must demonstrate a strong background on the topic of Next-generation Cellular Therapies, T cell Engagers, and Combinations as well as their commitment to studying this topic in their future, independent position. We encourage applicants with varied scientific backgrounds to apply.

  • Leadership. Development of leadership skills to direct a research team within academia, government, or industry
  • Communication. Enhancement of scientific writing and presentation skills
  • Mentorship. Establishment of continued mentorship from world-renowned faculty and peers
  • Science. Design and implementation of innovative projects that address an unmet need in the field of Next-generation Cellular Therapies, T cell Engagers, and Combinations
  • Job search. Preparation for an academic, government, and industry job search
  • Running a Research Group. Understanding of the challenges and responsibilities that new independent scientists face
  • Research Collaboration. Opportunity to form organic collaborations with peers and faculty to work cross-institutionally to efficiently create outcomes to enhance the field
  • Networking. SITC Sparkathon participants and alumni will develop affinity amongst their peers and the senior faculty
  • Engagement. Emerging leaders may receive more visible leadership opportunities within SITC

Eligibility

  • Participants must plan to transition from their mentored position to a full-time independent role in academia, government or industry within the next 2-3 years
  • It is desirable for applicants to have had some involvement with SITC, for example, applicants can have: received a SITC award or fellowship; presented a poster or given an oral presentation at a SITC annual or Spring Scientific meeting, attended a SITC educational event such as Advances in Cancer Immunotherapy (ACI), SITC Cancer Immunotherapy Winter School, SITC Clinical Immuno-Oncology Network (SCION) Workshop, or participation on the discussion board on the SITC CONNECT website
  • Applicants should exhibit dedication and research related to the 2026 Sparkathon topic: Next-generation Cellular Therapies, T cell Engagers, and Combinations
  • Participants must be available to attend the two-and-a-half-day in-person retreat from March 23–25 in Tucson, AZ and the half-day program at the 2026 SITC Annual Meeting in Phoenix, AZ
    • Accepted applicants will receive complimentary registration for the Sparkathon programs along with lodging reimbursement for the programs
  • Past Sparkathon participants are not eligible to apply

Application Process

Review Criteria

The review committee will assess the following items for each candidate but will consider all other strengths and experiences emphasized in the applications.

Items are listed by order of importance.

  • Dedication and research related to the 2026 Sparkathon topic, Next-generation Cellular Therapies, T cell Engagers, and Combinations 
  • Scientific achievements and experience in cancer immunotherapy, as highlighted by Likelihood publications, appointments, grants, awards, and presentations at conferences
  • Likelihood of securing an independent position in the next 2-3 years
  • Collaboration/team player (for example through co-authoring a paper)

Participants apply by completing an electronic application. Deadline Extended: Sparkathon 2026 applications are due by Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, at 8 a.m. ET.

A dedicated review committee selected participants on a competitive basis.

The selection process aims to obtain a balanced class with broad representation across institutions. 

“SITC Sparkathon was an inspiring and transformative journey. It allowed me to strengthen my leadership skills, collaborate with brilliant peers and mentors, and develop innovative ideas in cellular therapy for solid tumors. I am grateful for the skills, collaborations, and lasting connections gained through this unique program.” 
Nour Shobaki, PharmD, PhD
University of Pennsylvania
SITC Sparkathon Alumni

Complete Application Requirements

All components below must be uploaded to the electronic application system.

I. Cover Letter

  1. This document should state briefly:
    • Current stage of training (postdoc, fellow, etc.)
    • A statement of prior and current training/expertise on the topic of Next-generation Cellular Therapies, T cell Engagers, and Combinations
    • A statement of future commitment to the topic of Next-generation Cellular Therapies, T cell Engagers, and Combinations
    • Why are you interested in participating in the Sparkathon 2026 program: Next-generation Cellular Therapies, T cell Engagers, and Combinations
    • Your involvement with SITC and/or the field of cancer immunotherapy (such as through a committee; receipt of a Presidential Travel Award or the Presidential Award; awardee of a SITC fellowship; submission of an abstract; attending a SITC educational event such as an Annual Meeting, interim workshop or collaborative program; creating or updating your profile on the SITC CONNECT website; posting on a discussion board on the SITC website; using SITC’s online resources; providing feedback to SITC in some way such as responding to a survey; etc.)
    • Brief career development plan during their remaining training period to prepare them for independence: Career objectives and plan to obtain a faculty position in the next two years

II. Letter of Recommendation

  1. Mentor’s Letter of Recommendation: This letter should be from an individual acting as a fellowship mentor to the applicant. It must clearly present:
    • The applicant’s role and academic appointment(s)
    • The mentor’s role in the proposed research plan, including their commitment to provide support as necessary as the applicant transitions into an independent faculty position
    • Potential for the applicant to develop into an independent investigator

III. NIH-Formatted Specific Aims Page

  1. One page NIH-formatted Specific Aims page on your future work in the area of Next-generation Cellular Therapies, T cell Engagers, and Combinations 

IV. Applicant’s NIH biosketch

  1. One page NIH-formatted Specific Aims page on your future work in the area of Next-generation Cellular Therapies, T cell Engagers, and Combinations 

  2. Standard NIH formatting is required. The biosketch must include a history of applicant’s training, publications and grants or awards currently received or pending

Sparkathon Faculty

Tullia Bruno, PhD
University of Pittsburgh

Lisa Butterfield, PhD
Independent Consultant

Greg Delgoffe, PhD
University of Pittsburgh

Jennifer Guerriero, PhD
Brigham and Women's Hospital

Ashley Koegel, MD
Bristol Myers Squibb

Tom Marron, MD, PhD
Mount Sinai Hospital

Christine Moussion, PhD
Genentech

Abby Overacre-Delgoffe, PhD
University of Pittsburgh

Daniel Powell, PhD
University of Pennsylvania

Jeffrey Rathmell, PhD 
The University of Chicago

Marco Ruella, MD
University of Pennsylvania

Special Opportunity for Sparkathon Class of 2026

Spring Scientific LogoAccepted Sparkathon 2026 participants will be offered complimentary registration and are encouraged to attend the Spring Scientific: Next-generation Cellular Therapies, T cell Engagers, and Combinations, taking place in Tucson, AZ and virtually on March 25–27, after the Sparkathon program.

SITC Sparkathon Alumni Network

After participation in the Sparkathon 2026 program, emerging leaders will come together to create an alumnus network to further their work, make new and strengthen existing connections, and serve as a resource for subsequent classes. This network will facilitate collaborations among members and faculty. Members may be considered for future society leadership opportunities, including committees and Board service.

View Past Programs

SPARKATHON 2025SPARKATHON 2024SPARKATHON 2023SPARKATHON 2022SPARKATHON 2021SPARKATHON 2018SPARKATHON 2017

Professional Ethics

Professional, responsible, and ethical behavior is expected from participants throughout the Sparkathon 2026 program. This includes full and uninterrupted active participation, meeting submission deadlines, being respectful and supportive of fellow members, adhering to a general code of ethics, and adhering to SITC’s Meeting Code of Conduct. Failure to adhere to the highest ethical standards and other program requirements can result in possible termination from the project. Participants are required to be present for all program sessions, meals and activities.