The UAB O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center hosted its annual Research Retreat on Friday, October 18, 2024 at Regions Field. Thank you for attending this important event showcasing the work of our members and trainees.
Event Registration
Registration closed October 4.
Key Dates
September 2 – Abstract submission deadline
October 4 – Registration deadline
October 14 – Electronic submission of slides for invited speakers
Scientific Abstracts
Abstract submission closed September 2.
Posters
Everyone submitting an abstract will have the opportunity to present their poster. The goal is to feature trainee and staff research, but all are welcome to submit and present. All non-faculty abstracts will be judged live at the retreat by multiple judges. Presenters are responsible for printing their own posters. Please arrive before 8 a.m. to check in and receive your location assignment. We are planning two sessions so that everyone has the chance to see posters.
The Research Retreat is held at Regions Field on the second floor of the Executive Suites, in the Diamonds Direct Ballroom and Pearl River Club Lounge. Access the Retreat via the Executive Entrance on the north side of the field. Parking is limited, and we encourage walking. There are reserved spots for handicapped attendees in the VIP lot on the south side of the ballpark. All others should park on the street or in any of the nearby decks.
Parking is limited. We encourage you to consider walking the short distance from UAB’s campus, carpooling, or ridesharing. There is paid street parking (via the ParkMobile app) and nearby paid decks. Handicapped parking will be available at the VIP lot on the South side of the ballpark.
Where do we go at Regions Field?
The Retreat can be accessed through the Executive Entrance on the north side of the ballpark. We will be in the Ballroom and Club Lounge on the second floor. There will be signs and ambassadors to guide you.
Any faculty, staff member, student, or trainee interested in learning more about the research going on at the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center may attend. Registration is not restricted to any rank or institution.
Where do I submit my abstract to be considered for a poster or talk?
Abstract submission closed September 2.
Who can submit abstracts? Are they for talks or posters?
Everyone who submits an abstract will be able present a poster and non-faculty will be in the competition for awards. Those who want to be considered for talks will indicate that when they submit their abstract.
Is there a cost to register or submit an abstract?
There is no cost to register, submit an abstract, or present a poster. This is a free event.
How are talks selected?
All abstracts submitted that indicate they are interested in a speaking slot will be reviewed by a minimum of three Retreat Committee members. The Committee will meet and discuss the submissions and select those that are meritorious and represent a broad array of O’Neal science. Talks will be limited to non-faculty.
Do I have to stay for the entire retreat?
The Research Retreat ends at 5 p.m. and we hope everyone can stay until then. Attendees may come and go from the retreat as needed. You must be present at the award ceremony to receive an award.
What should I wear to this event?
Standard work attire is expected. All campus codes of conduct and regulations will be in place.
Will meals be provided?
A small continental breakfast will be available in the morning. A full boxed lunch will be available for all attendees. A vegetarian option will be available. Coffee and water will be available throughout the day. There will be beer and hors d’oeuvres at the reception.
What COVID regulations are in place?
We will follow all UAB guidelines, as applicable, at the time of the event.
Will every poster be considered for judging?
Yes, every poster will be judged live during the poster session(s).
What is the word limit on abstracts?
300 words, not including authors and title.
What are the awards available to win?
The final award categories will be determined before the retreat. Last year, there were five Student awards and three Staff/Postdoc/Fellow awards. We will use the number of submitted abstracts to determine the number of awards and categories.
Can my lab submit more than one abstract?
There is no limit to the number of abstracts that can be submitted per lab. However, the first author on an abstract will be expected to present the poster, and therefore, there can be only one abstract per first author.
Who is on the Retreat Committee?
Natalie Gassman, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Pharmacology and Toxicology and member of the Cancer Biology and Immunology Program
Anna Sorace, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Radiology and member of the Experimental Therapeutics Program
Noha Sharafeldin, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Hematology and Oncology and member of the Cancer Control and Population Sciences Program
Lalita Shevde-Samant, Ph.D., Professor of Molecular & Cellular Pathology and AD for Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination (CRTEC)
Who are the poster judges?
Mentors and project PIs of those submitting posters will be asked to judge, along with other O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center members (faculty of UAB or affiliated institutions).
How many posters will be allowed to present?
All abstracts submitted will be presented as posters, including those selected for talks. Last year there were more than 170 posters! We plan to have 10-12 talks again this year.
Thank you to everyone who attended the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB‘s annual Research Retreat on Friday, October 13, 2023, at Regions Field. See photos from the event below.
