What Sets CMTRA apart

For more than two decades, CMTRA has brought together leaders in cancer molecular therapeutics for a uniquely collaborative scientific meeting where approximately half of each session is dedicated to discussion.

Discussion First

Approximately half of every session is reserved for audience discussion.

Cross-Sector Collaboration

Academia, biotechnology, pharmacy, government, and foundations working together.

Small by Design

Fewer than 100 participants create meaningful conversations.

Scientific Excellence

Leading investigators exploring the future of cancer therapeutics.

Advancing Cancer Therapeutics Through Collaboration

Created in 2008, the Cancer Molecular Therapeutics Research Association organizes and hosts the CMTRA annual meeting. The meeting objective is to provide a forum for presentation and discussion of contemporary research in the field of cancer drug development and therapy. Modeled after small Gordon-type conferences, the meeting provides an opportunity for young and established researchers to discuss and challenge current paradigms for cancer drug development and therapy, as well as a venue where novel ideas can be presented with anticipation of lively debate.

Scientific leaders from academia, biotechnology, government, and nonprofit research convene annually to accelerate advances in cancer therapeutics.

Our 2027 Venue: Snowbird Resort

The setting at Snowbird encourages the informal conversations and collaborations that have become a hallmark of CMTRA. Just 29 miles from Salt Lake City International Airport, Snowbird combines easy accessibility with breathtaking alpine scenery. From the iconic Aerial Tram to miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, the resort offers year-round opportunities to connect with colleagues beyond the meeting room.

Pools and Spa

Mountain Biking

Hiking

Adventures

Fitness Center

Comfortable Lodging

Dining and Lounges

Mountain Tram

Share Your Science

Poster sessions at CMTRA offer an exceptional opportunity to share your science in a personal, one-on-one setting with leaders from academia and industry. These 90-minute sessions, combined with our intentionally limited audience size, create a highly interactive environment—perfect for expanding both your network and your scientific impact.

Poster/abstract submissions are accepted up to one week prior to the meeting.

If you are a student or trainee, you can take advantage of a discounted conference registration rate of just $500.

Abstracts will be accepted when registration opens in 2027.

CMTRA

Officers & Board Members

The CMTRA Board represents leaders from academia, biotechnology, pharmaceutical industry, and nonprofit research organizations who guide the scientific vision of the association.

MARTIN MCMAHON, PhD

Board President

Cumming-Presidential Professor of Cancer Biology & Senior Director for Preclinical Translation

Huntsman Cancer Institute

Dept. of Dermatology

University of Utah

LORI FRIEDMAN,
PhD

Board Vice President

Chief Scientific Officer

ORIC Pharmaceuticals

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ELI M. WALLACE,
PhD

Board Secretary

ARIA VAISHNAVI, PhD

Board Treasurer

Assistant Professor, Department of Cancer Biology

University of Texas

MD Anderson Cancer Center

BOB ABRAHAM,
PhD

Board Member

Scientific Advisor

Google Ventures

Chief Scientific Officer

Engine Biosciences

MICHELLE ARKIN,
PhD

Board Member

Chair and Thomas William and Frederick John MacWilliam Distinguished Professor, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry

UC San Francisco

RALPH DeBERARDINIS,
MD, PhD

Board Member

Director of the Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development

Director, Genetic and Metabolic Disease Program

UT Southwestern Medical Center

EMMA LEES,
PhD

Board Member

Senior Vice President, Mechanisms of Cancer Resistance

Thematic Research Center

Bristol Myers Squibb

SHIVA MALEK,
PhD

Board Member

Global Head of Oncology

Novartis Institute of Biomedical Research

MATT PATRICELLI, PhD

Board Member

Chief Scientific Officer

Vividion Therapeutics

San Diego, CA

ZAHID H. SIDDIK,
PhD

Board Member

Professor of Medicine Pharmacology Department of Experimental Therapeutics

MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston, TX

Emeritus Board Members:

Will Placzek, Ph.D. - Associate Professor | Cancer Gene Regulation| University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham, AL
James D. Winkler, Ph.D. - Chief Scientific Officer | OnKure Therapeutics | Boulder, Colorado
Mary-Ann Bjornsti, Ph.D. - Professor Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology | University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham, AL
Peter Houghton, Ph.D. - Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute | UT Health at San Antonio | San Antonio, TX
Phillip Dennis, M.D., Ph.D. - Sanofi Oncology |
Robert Kramer, Ph.D. - RAKramer Consulting LLC | Newton, PA
Alan Eastman, Ph.D. - Professor Emeritus | Norris Cotton Cancer Center | Dartmouth College | Hanover, NH
John A. Hickman, D.Sc. - Agon Consulting, Paris
Branimir I. Sikic, M.D. - Director | Stanford Clinical & Translational Research Unit; Co-director | Stanford University School of Medicine | Stanford, CA