Address
BHub, 5th Floor, Maurya Lok Complex, New Dak Bunglow Rd, , Patna, Bihar 800001
Work Hours
Monday to Friday: 9AM - 5PM
Weekend: 11AM - 3PM
SpARC MEETING Epithelial Mesenchymal Transitions in Cancer and IgniteLSF, Bengaluru (March 06, 2026)
The SpARC MEETING: Epithelial Mesenchymal Transitions (EMT) in Cancer is a specialized academic research cooperative event designed to bridge the gap between various scientific silos. This initiative, organized by the Ignite Life Science Foundation (IgniteLSF), facilitates deep-dive brainstorming sessions among experts to identify “known-unknowns” in cancer research. Consequently, the meeting aims to catalyze innovative scientific approaches that can be translated into next-generation cancer treatments. Furthermore, outstation participants can avail of accommodation facilities at the prestigious Indian Institute of Science (IISc).
Program Highlights
| Feature | Details |
| Program Title & Code | SpARC MEETING: EMT in Cancer |
| Organizing Institution | Ignite Life Science Foundation (IgniteLSF) |
| Dates & Duration | 06 March 2026 – 07 March 2026 (2 Days) |
| Mode of Delivery | Offline (In-person Brainstorming) |
| Location | IISc Bengaluru, Karnataka |
Program Overview
The SpARC (Special Academic Cooperative) meeting is not a traditional conference; rather, it is a highly curated brainstorming event. The primary objective is to bring together a small, interdisciplinary group of scientists to probe the complexities of Epithelial Mesenchymal Transitions (EMT) in cancer. This process is critical because EMT is a key driver of cancer metastasis and drug resistance. By fostering collaboration between experimentalists and clinicians, the program seeks to generate actionable research proposals. Significantly, a small pool of funding is reserved specifically for research proposals that emerge as an outcome of these discussions.
Eligibility Criteria
IgniteLSF invites applications from high-level academic and clinical professionals who meet the following criteria:
- For Faculty: Full-time faculty members, clinicians, and pathologists are eligible to submit an Expression of Interest (EoI). Specifically, preference is given to those actively conducting research in EMT or related oncological fields.
- For PhDs & Post-docs: Doctoral students and postdoctoral fellows from non-profit Indian academic and research institutions are eligible to apply through the SpARC Award Challenge.
- Selection: Selection is merit-based, focusing on the participant’s ability to contribute to interdisciplinary innovation.
Curriculum & Topics Covered
The meeting revolves around several key scientific domains to ensure a 360-degree view of cancer progression:
- Experimental Biology: Molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways of EMT.
- Computational Systems Biology: Modeling the dynamics of phenotypic switching in cancer.
- Clinical Pathology & Oncology: Identifying biomarkers and clinical manifestations of mesenchymal traits.
- Developmental Biology: Understanding the ancestral roles of EMT to decode its hijacking by tumors.
Learning Outcomes
Participants of the SpARC MEETING: Epithelial Mesenchymal Transitions in Cancer will gain:
- Enhanced understanding of the “known-unknowns” at the frontier of EMT research.
- Potential access to seed funding for interdisciplinary research projects.
- Exclusive networking opportunities with top-tier professors like Ramray Bhat and Mohit Kumar Jolly.
- Skills in collaborative brainstorming and cross-disciplinary scientific problem-solving.
Certification & Assessment
As this is a cooperative research meeting, traditional certificates of participation are secondary to the research outcomes. However, the most significant “assessment” is the SpARC Award Challenge. PhDs and Post-docs are evaluated based on their ability to present and defend innovative ideas during the session. Successful candidates receive travel support, while faculty teams may qualify for subsequent research grants based on the quality of proposals generated during the two-day event.
Registration Details
| Component | Information |
| Faculty Deadline | 10 January 2026 |
| PhD/Post-doc Deadline | 20 January 2026 |
| Registration Fee | Nil (Curated Selection Only) |
| Faculty Apply Link | Google Form – Faculty |
| PhD/Post-doc Link | Google Form – Scholars |
| Announcement Date | 15 January 2026 (For Faculty) |
Contact Information
For any specific queries regarding the SpARC meeting or the application process:
- Organizers: Professors Ramray Bhat and Mohit Kumar Jolly (IISc)
- Foundation Contact: Ignite Life Science Foundation
- Email: contact@ignitelsf.in
- Website: ignitelsf.in
Additional Information
IgniteLSF ensures that financial constraints do not hinder scientific excellence. For outstation participants, accommodation is provided within the IISc campus. Furthermore, PhD and Post-doctoral scholars selected via the SpARC Award Challenge are eligible for full reimbursement of economy-class air travel within India, along with all meals during the event.
Key Highlights
The meeting is supported by Bekaert Industries and focuses on high-level scientific cooperation rather than passive learning. One of the most unique aspects is the opportunity for participants to collaborate on a research proposal that can be funded directly by the Ignite Life Science Foundation following the meeting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the SpARC MEETING Epithelial Mesenchymal Transitions in Cancer open to international faculty?
The call for Expressions of Interest is primarily focused on faculty and researchers holding full-time positions in Indian non-profit research institutions and universities.
How do I apply for travel support as a PhD student?
You must apply for the SpARC Award Challenge by 20 January 2026. If selected, your economy-class air travel, accommodation, and meals will be fully reimbursed by IgniteLSF.
What is the selection process for the faculty participants?
Interested faculty must submit an Expression of Interest (EoI). The committee will review these based on research relevance and select a small, curated group to ensure high-quality brainstorming.
Is there any registration fee for the SpARC meeting?
No, there is no registration fee for selected participants. The event is fully supported by IgniteLSF and its partners.
Will there be future funding opportunities after the meeting?
Yes, a small amount of funding is specifically allocated for research proposals that are developed as a direct outcome of the brainstorming sessions held during the SpARC meeting.