ACORD26 Workshop

20 - 25 September 2026

Novotel Sydney Olympic Park NSW, Australia

Applications close 5:00pm Thursday 9 April

Applications Closed

- Applications Close: 9 April 2026 by 5 pm AEST
- 1st Round Offer for Participants: mid May 2026
- 2nd Round Offer for Participants: 2 - 9 June 2026
Applications are reviewed by the Workshop Steering Committee, which bases its decisions on:
- Quality and feasibility of the proposed research concept and support letters
- Applicant’s career stage, training, and competence in clinical cancer research
- Institutional and departmental support
Decisions are final and made at the committee’s sole discretion. Applications are open primarily to those based in East Asia and Pacific regions.
Required Supporting Documents
1. Concept outline of the proposed study (using the provided template)
2. Curriculum vitae (including publication list)
3. Applicant’s letter detailing background, career goals, motivation, and commitment
4. Supervisor’s letter of support with assurance of institutional backing
Eligibility Criteria
- Open to clinical cancer researchers from any oncology-related field (e.g., medical, surgical, radiation oncology, palliative care, pathology, nursing, allied health, etc.)
- Preference for applicants near the end of training or within 5 years post-specialisation
- Applicants from other cancer research professions may be considered
- A limited number of non–Asia Pacific applicants may be accepted
- Must be fluent in English and competent with computers
- Must agree to ACORD Workshop Terms and Conditions
Assessment Criteria
- Quality and feasibility of the research proposal
- Applicant’s commitment to workshop participation
- Level of supervisory and institutional support
- Track record of both the applicant and their institution, and the potential benefit of workshop participation
Assessment Principles
- Focus on promise and potential of the idea, applicant, and support system
- Open to applicants with limited research experience, if they show enthusiasm and potential
- Preference for proposals that are feasible and scalable (e.g., starting with smaller pilot or phase 1–2 studies rather than over-ambitious phase 3 trials)
- Strength of institutional and supervisory backing and potential wider benefit of participation are considered

▷ MESSAGE FROM THE ACORD CONVENORS

The Medical Oncology Group of Australia (MOGA) is proud to present the 13th Residential Australia and Asia-Pacific Clinical Oncology Research Development (ACORD) Workshop, taking place 20–25 September 2026 at the Novotel Sydney Olympic Park.

This landmark workshop highlights ACORD’s ongoing commitment to advancing clinical cancer research across the Asia-Pacific. What began as a bold vision has evolved into a powerful transformative force—driving progress in oncology through education, collaboration, and innovation.

Since its launch, ACORD has trained more than 550 early-career researchers through immersive workshops, building an exceptional network of cancer research leaders. In addition, over 600 researchers have participated in ACORD’s high-impact 1-day Clinical Research Concept Development programs since 2004.

ACORD 2026 promises a dynamic week of expert mentorship, collaboration, and research excellence—empowering the next generation of oncology innovators.

A/Prof Katrin Sjoquist and A/Prof Jenny Liu

ACORD 2026 Convenor and Deputy Convenor

Applications Closed

▷ WORKSHOP PROGRAM

The 6-day program is a mix of academic and practical sessions covering clinical trial design, methodology, and implementation including:

▸ Protocol Development Group Sessions with designated faculty members leading a group of 8 participants in receiving daily assistance with their evolving trial concepts while applying the knowledge acquired during the workshop.

▸ One-to-one Faculty Sessions providing participants with individual counselling on protocol related issues and career development.

▸ Small Group Discussion Sessions led by key faculty experts on key topics essential to the development of clinical trials and facilitating discussion on the difficulties and challenges of a particular type of trial.

▸ Plenary Lectures and Panel Discussions by faculty and invited experts on specific core topics in the design and implementation of high-quality clinical trials.

▸ Session breaks, communal meals, a team building exercise and social activities provide additional opportunities for networking among participants and faculty.

▸ Pre and post access to workshop online lecture library and resources developed by the ACORD initiative faculty and invited experts since program establishment are available to faculty and participants covering the full spectrum of topics covered by the Workshop

▷ PARTICIPANTS

Participants will be selected through a competitive process, based on the strength of their research proposal and referee support. Applications are invited from all oncology disciplines, including medical, surgical, radiation, psycho-oncology, haematology, palliative care, pathology, nursing, and allied health

▷ FACULTY

The Workshop features leading local and international experts in clinical cancer research, including past faculty from ASCO, AACR, MOGA, major cancer centres, and trials groups worldwide. Emerging research leaders from the Asia-Pacific also join as future faculty fellows