2022 NCI Staff Scientist/Staff Clinician Retreat
, by Justine Yu, Ph.D.
In April 2022, over 170 staff scientists and staff clinicians from the Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG), Center for Cancer Research (CCR), and Frederick National Laboratory, gathered virtually for the 18th annual scientific retreat.
The event included topics on basic science, clinical and translational research, epidemiological studies, and technology and methodology development on the theme “Fostering innovation in cancer research, path from discovery to therapy.”
DCEG Director Stephen J. Chanock, M.D., gave the welcoming address, followed by keynote lectures delivered by Dr. Suzanne Topalian, of Johns Hopkins, and Dr. Padmanee Sharma, of MD Anderson Cancer Center. Invited intramural speakers included Nicolas Wentzensen, M.D., Ph.D., M.S., Deputy Branch Chief and senior investigator in the Clinical Genetics Branch (CGB), and Dr. Kandice Tanner of CCR, who presented their latest research findings.
The remainder of the day consisted of poster presentations and flash talks from 76 staff scientists and staff clinicians. Awards in the form of support for travel to scientific meetings went to the best presentations.
From DCEG, Kanan T. Desai, M.D., M.P.H., staff scientist in CGB, was awarded best oral presentation for her work on the “Development of a novel HPV typing and AI-based visual triage strategy for cervical cancer screening in resource-limited settings.”