Cancer Research Day
Hosted by the Purdue Institute for Cancer Research (PICR), this flagship event brings together our cancer research community for a day of discovery, scientific exchange and inspiration. It’s a signature opportunity for scientists across disciplines to connect, showcase breakthroughs and spotlight the next generation of cancer researchers.

PICR’S FLAGSHIP EVENT
Where Purdue’s cancer researchers come together
Cancer Research Day is the Purdue Institute for Cancer Research’s signature annual event celebrating the innovative and collaborative spirit of the cancer research community at Purdue.

Held each fall, this campus-wide gathering brings together more than 200 researchers, students, and trainees from a wide range of disciplines to share discoveries, exchange ideas, and spark new collaborations. Through poster sessions, trainee talks, and a distinguished keynote lecture, the event showcases cutting-edge work spanning basic, translational, and applied cancer science.
Trainees play a central role in the day’s activities, with opportunities to present research through posters or as selected speakers. Abstract submissions are reviewed in advance, and awards are given for outstanding presentations. Past keynote speakers have included national leaders in the field, such as David Levens of the National Cancer Institute and Forest White of MIT. With its strong focus on community, mentorship, and scientific excellence, Cancer Research Day underscores PICR’s commitment to advancing cancer research and supporting the next generation of scientists.
Get details on the Fall 2025 Cancer Research Day.
Keynote spotlight: Fall 2024 Cancer Research Day
Forest White, a professor in the Biological Engineering Department at MIT, a member of the Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at MIT, and a member of the MIT Center for Precision Cancer Medicine, gave the keynote speech during PICR’s Fall 2024 Cancer Research Day. White gave insight into his current projects, including research that focuses on high-resolution, quantitative characterization of intracellular proteome dynamics that regulate both normal and pathophysiological processes. The ultimate goal of his work is to define novel therapeutic targets and therapeutic combinations, advancing the field of cancer research.


Show your work, grow your network
The Cancer Research Day poster session is an opportunity for trainees to showcase their research, gain valuable feedback from peers and faculty, and connect with Purdue’s cancer research community. All submitted abstracts are reviewed for consideration as a Trainee Presenter, offering selected participants the chance to deliver an oral presentation during the event. This platform highlights innovative research, helps strengthen presentation skills, and recognizes scientific contributions from tomorrow’s cancer research leaders.
Contact Us
Get in touch
Phone: 765-494-9129
Fax: 765-494-9193
Email: cancerresearch@purdue.edu
Meet our team
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201 S. University St.
Hansen Life Sciences Bldg, Rm. 141
West Lafayette, IN 47907