Directors of AACI member cancer centers are encouraged to select an emerging leader for each program. The LDW provides an opportunity for emerging cancer center leaders to strengthen their leadership skills. The yearlong LAP is designed for those who are registered for the 2026 LDW or have already participated in a past workshop. Directors or their designees may submit their nomination for LAP via the online form, and their LDW nomination through a separate online portal.
Launching this year, the LAP will build on the knowledge and skills gained through the LDW and provide participants with a deeper understanding of the Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG), as outlined in the most recent National Cancer Institute (NCI) CCSG Notices of Funding Opportunity.
Participants will engage in virtual learning sessions on designated Wednesday afternoons and complete a capstone project. As part of the curriculum, they will also attend the 19th Annual AACI Clinical Research Innovation (CRI) Meeting and the 2027 AACI/CCAF Annual Meeting, providing additional networking and professional development opportunities.
More information, including virtual session dates and proposed topics, can be found on the program website.
Who Qualifies for LAP?
Nominees must have attended at least one AACI LDW or be registered for the October 2026 workshop. The $2,500 program fee covers the year-round learning experience and registration for the required meetings.
Nominees should have the time and institutional support to fully participate in the program, including attending at least three of the four virtual sessions, completing assignments and the capstone project, and attending required conferences.
How to Nominate
To complete the nomination, please submit the following information by the deadline:
Name of the selected nominee
A National Institutes of Health (NIH) biosketch that includes a personal statement describing the applicant’s interest in the program, professional development goals, and area(s) of leadership interest (e.g., executive leadership, clinical research, etc.)
A letter of recommendation from the cancer center director or their designee confirming institutional support for the nominee's participation and highlighting their professional accomplishments and career trajectory
Questions about the program may be directed to [email protected].
Launched in 2022 as part of the AACI presidential initiative of Caryn Lerman, PhD, the LDW convenes emerging leaders to strengthen the oncology leadership pipeline.
Each director may nominate one emerging leader from their cancer center to participate in the next LDW, slated for October 24-25 in conjunction with the 2026 AACI/CCAF Annual Meeting.
Eligible nominees must:
Currently hold the role of cancer center deputy director; assistant or associate director; program leader; assistant, associate, or full professor; or cancer center director (within two years of appointment)
Demonstrate a track record of leadership and evidence of a desire for career evolution within the cancer center leadership structure
Commit to attending the entire workshop