Trailblazers in Cancer Research: The Next Generation – The British Association of Cancer Research Early Career Conference

The inaugural British Association of Cancer Research (BACR) Early Career Conference, Trailblazers in Cancer 26 Research 2023, was a two-day meeting held in Manchester, UK. Recognising the disruption caused by the 27 COVID-19 pandemic to early career researchers (ECRs), the BACR executive committee organised an in-person 28 conference to address the lack of network and training opportunities during this time. The conference brought 29 together PhD students and post-doctoral researchers from across the UK and beyond, who shared their 30 outstanding contributions to cancer research. The meeting incorporated several cutting-edge cancer themes, 31 including Cancer Cell Signalling and The Tumour Microenvironment; Emerging Approaches in Cancer Treatment; 32 Cancer Omics and Lifestyle, Nutrition and Cancer. Alongside showcasing world-class cancer research, the 33 meeting included a career-focused session which allowed industrial and non-academic speakers to provide vital 34 insight into alternative career paths aside from the familiar “academic” route. Importantly, the conference also 35 introduced delegates to Patient Public Involvement in cancer research, an area of limited experience for many. 36 Overall, the BACR Trailblazers Conference was hugely successful and presented an excellent platform for 37 collaboration and networking among ECRs in cancer research.