2016 CST Research FiTS/CNTRP Trainee Event

Are you a graduate student or fellow in the field of transplantation?

Do you want to understand how to establish your career as a transplant professional?

Then Research FITS is for you!

The Research FITS session is aimed at trainees who are planning a career in transplantation. It includes talks from clinicians and scientists working in transplant in Canada and gives insights in starting your academic career as a scientist or clinician-scientist.

This session will cover key topics for those trainees planning a career in transplant:

• How to start a research program
• How to set up a lab
• What transplant program directors are looking for in new researchers

This year’s session will feature a “Dragons' Den” that will give trainees a chance to show off their competitive chops in a fun and interactive setting! There will also be time for conversation and networking with other members of the scientific community.

The Research FITS session will take place during the CST Annual Scientific Meeting and is open to all trainees (MD, MSc, PhD and others) attending the conference.

Location: Hilton Quebec, Quebec City

FEE: There is no cost to attend this session, but registration is separate. (Note: You must complete the checkout process during registration in order to be considered registered for this event.)

Transplant Dragons' Den

The Transplant Dragons’ Den is your opportunity prove your skills, pitch your best idea, and convince the CNTRP/CST Dragons that they need to invest in you!  As a new researcher, you will regularly be called upon to pitch your research ideas and create a compelling story for why the project is warranted. The Dragon’s Den gives you a chance to further develop those skills in a fun setting while getting to know other trainees.  

What is Transplant Dragons’ Den all about?

• This event is open to individuals or teams of trainees/fellows from both the CST and CNTRP
• As a team or individual, you will pitch a real or imaginary research project to the CNTRP/CST Dragons that addresses a real problem in the field of donation and/or transplantation.  Pitches can be serious, funny or even outrageous!
• The goal of your pitch is to convince the CNTRP/CST Dragons that your idea is clear, will address a real need, has a good chance at success and is worth their investment
• Pitches are max 7 minutes each, the idea can be small or large in scope (i.e. no budget limitations) and you can use any props necessary to sell your idea (including slides)
• To learn more about the Dragons’ Den format and to get some inspiration, visit http://www.cbc.ca/dragonsden/
  

At the end of the session, the CNTRP/CST Dragons will vote on the best pitches and invest up to $1,000 in real cash to be divided up as an award between the best and most convincing pitches (for example, top team could receive $600 and next best two pitches could receive $200 each).  

The deadline to register to participate in this event is October 3, 2016.  To sign up, either as an individual or a team, please email Karen Hunter at karen.hunter@ualberta.ca.  Trainees not involved in pitching an idea will participate in the session by cheering on their colleagues and showing their support for the best ideas!