MRA’s Patient Advocate Scientific Retreat & Patient Forum Scholarship encourages the engagement, education, and inclusion of patient advocates in melanoma research by providing support for their attendance at the Annual Melanoma Exchange Patient Forum and Scientific Retreat.

Each year, MRA’s Melanoma Exchange Patient Forum brings together melanoma patients, survivors, advocates, caregivers, and loved ones to provide lay-friendly, state-of-the-science education, promote collaboration, and provide networking opportunities across the melanoma community.

Alongside the Patient Forum, MRA’s Annual Scientific Retreat brings together physician scientists, pharmaceutical and biotech representatives, government officials, and patient advocates for an invitation-only, think-tank-style meeting focused on the exchange of cutting-edge melanoma research.

Scholarships will be provided by MRA to support patient/advocate participation at the 2025 Patient Forum and Scientific Retreat. Scholarships include travel to Washington, DC, hotel accommodations at the JW Marriott, and a stipend to defray the costs of local travel and any incidental expenses. There will be separate scholarships opportunities to attend either the Patient Forum only (February 26), or the full Patient Forum & Scientific Retreat (February 26-28). Scholarships will be awarded based on individual preference and availability. 

Scholarship Criteria and Considerations
  • History of Melanoma: A minimum of 50% of scholarships are designated for people living with melanoma or who have a history of melanoma.
  • Geographic Diversity: Attendees from across the United States representing any demographic are encouraged to apply.
  • Service to Community: Applicants should have strong connections to the melanoma community, at a national, state, or local level. This can include participation in programming at MRA (or other non-profit organizations), Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP), or a local cancer center/hospital.

To be considered for a scholarship, please complete the online application (CureMelanoma,org/Scholarship) by Friday, October 11, 2024. Late applications will not be accepted.

Scholarship Application Timeline
  • October 11, 2024: Applications due.
  • November 11, 2024: Scholarship Awardees selected and notified.
  • December 13, 2024: All scholarship recipients must finalize all hotel/travel requests through the MRA portal. Failure to complete hotel/travel arrangements may result in revocation of scholarship.
  • February 2025: An informational meet & greet will be hosted virtually for all scholarship awardees. This session will overview how to make the most of your time at the MRA Scientific Retreat & Patient Forum. Participation is not required but is highly encouraged. Date TBD.

Attendance and Expectations

Scholarship awardees are REQUIRED to fully participate in all scheduled activities. Depending on the scholarship they are awarded, this may include the Melanoma Exchange Patient Forum on February 26 from 11 am – 7:30 pm, all sessions of the 2025 Scientific Retreat on February 26-28, and any additional sessions hosted by MRA during the time period. A full schedule of events will be provided in advance.

Scholarship awardees who are attending the MRA Scientific Retreat & Patient Forum for the first time will have the opportunity to meet with MRA’s Exchange Community Leaders either before or during the Forum to get a lay of the land, ask any questions, and meet other first-time attendees.

Application Questions (please provide no more than 250 words per answer)
  1. Provide a brief statement summarizing your experience and interests related to melanoma.
  2. Describe your current familiarity with the melanoma research landscape. What aspect of melanoma research are you most interested in (prevention, earlier detection, novel treatment strategies, etc.)?
  3. How are you currently involved with the melanoma community at a national, state, or local level? Examples may include participation in programs hosted by MRA or other non-profit organizations, CDMRP, or services hosted by a local hospital or cancer center.
  4. Have you participated in MRA’s Scientific Retreat &/or Patient Forum before? If so – what did you get out of it? If you haven’t – what do you hope to get out of this experience?
  5. What inspired you to apply for this opportunity? 

All applications MUST be submitted through the online application no later than October 11, 2024. Late – or incomplete – applications will not be accepted.

This blog was published by the Melanoma Research Alliance on September 9, 2024. It is republished with permission.