2026 Early-Stage Investigators’ Symposium
The Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics (ITMAT) is pleased to host the eighth symposium for early-stage investigators (physician fellows, postdoctoral fellows, and junior faculty conducting research) focused on successful strategies for a career in clinical and translational science. Attendees will gain valuable career insights through presentations, panel discussions, and time for networking.
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Agenda
8:00 – 8:30 AM: Check-in and Continental Breakfast
8:30 – 8:45 AM: Welcome Remarks
8:45 – 9:45 AM: Career Pathways Outside of Academia
Moderator: Emma Meagher, MD
Panelists: Joshua Bauml, MD; Elisia Clark, PhD, MSTR; Shruthi Ravimohan, PhD, MSTR; Scott Steele, PhD; Katie Sturgeon, PhD, MSTR
9:45 – 10:00 AM: Coffee Break
10:00 – 11:15 AM: Speed Mentoring or Effective Mentoring Relationships with Emma Meagher, MD
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Protecting Your IP: An Approach to Diversifying your Funding Portfolio
Moderator: Benjamin Dibling, PhD
Panelists: Jacob Brenner, MD, PhD; Benjamin Prosser, PhD; Marco Ruella, MD
12:30 – 1:15 PM: Lunch
1:20 – 2:20 PM: Creating a Scientific Identity
Moderator: Bonnie Ky, MD, MSCE
Panelists: Holly Auer, MBE; Paula Chatterjee, MD, MPH; Roger Kim, MD, MSCE; Atheendar Venkataramani, MD, PhD
2:20 – 3:20 PM: The Art of Publishing
Moderator: Anne Cappola, MD
Panelists: Michael Funk, PhD; Bonnie Ky, MD, MSCE; Yu-Xiao Yang, MD, MSCE
3:30 – 4:30 PM: Concurrent Grant Writing Sessions
Writing a Successful Career Development Grant (K Awards and other Early-Career Development Awards) - Rubenstein Auditorium
Moderator: Karen Teff, PhD
Panelists: Joshua Brandstadter, MD, PhD, MSCE; Barbara Chaiyachati, MD, PhD;
Sarah Gitto, PhD
Transitioning from a K to R Award - Room 10-146 Smilow
Moderator: David Mankoff, MD, PhD
Panelists: Laura Adang, MD, PhD, MSTR; Austin Pantel, MD, MSTR; Corinde Wiers, PhD
Location
Rubenstein Auditorium and Smilow Commons
3400 Civic Center Blvd
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Directions: For directions to the Rubenstein Auditorium on the first floor of Smilow Center for Translational Research click here.
For Sessions held in the Smilow 146AB conference rooms: Take the Smilow elevators to the designated floor, enter through the glass doors, turn right, and follow the hall as far right as possible to the 146AB conference rooms. Signs will be posted as well.
FAQs
Speed Mentoring: Attendees will have the opportunity to spend time one-on-one with seasoned faculty members. Seats are limited. Registrants have been notified if they were selected to participate. If you'd like to join, sign up for the waitlist during the coffee break at the registration table.
Registration: There is no cost to attend, but registration is required.
Resources: Find relevant grant writing resources here.
Questions: Contact Colleen Itani