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Applications for the 2025 STARS Scholar Program will open Monday, February 3, 2025 and close Friday, March 14, 2025.

Apply for the STARS Scholar Program

The IASLC STARS (Supportive Training for Advocates on Research and Science) Program began in 2019 as a collaboration between lung cancer patient research advocates and representatives from lung cancer advocacy organizations. STARS aims to train, develop, and nurture lung cancer patient research advocates (PRAs) for the lung cancer community. 

We invite patient research advocates who have proven accomplishments in lung cancer research advocacy and who would like to attend WCLC 2025 in-person (September 6-9, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain) to apply for the 2025 STARS Scholar Program! Applicant must have or have had lung cancer, or be a family member of someone who has or had lung cancer. Click here for a comprehensive overview of the STARS Scholar Program. Continue reading to find information on the application process and explore our Frequently Asked Questions. 

 

How do I apply?
  • Must be an IASLC member. (If you are not yet a member, CLICK HERE for information on how to join. IASLC Membership is complimentary for patients and their family members and caregivers.)
  • Select this link to login to the form via the IASLC Member Portal (opens in new window).
    • If you do not know your Member Portal credentials, click on the "Forgot Your Password" link to reset your credentials. Email membership@iaslc.org if you have any difficulties logging in to the portal. 
  • Once you have successfully logged into the Member Portal, you will be automatically directed to the application form.
  • You do not have to complete the application all at once; you can save your progress and return to the form to complete it at any time prior to the application deadline. 
  • Provide the name and email address of an individual who will provide a recommendation for your application. We recommend reviewing and completing the 'Application Endorsement' section first. 
  • Answer questions about your advocacy activities and interest in science and research. 
  • Provide an example of a communication you have written or created about lung cancer within the last year.
    • Participate in a Zoom candidate interview with STARS Mentors and the Admin Team at a time to be determined between March 17 and April 4. Interviews will be held for qualified Scholar applicants. 
    What is the STARS Scholar Application timeline? 
    • Application period: February 3 - March 14 midnight MDT.  
    • Review period and applicant interviews: March 17 - April 21.
    • Applicants notified by May 2. 

    WCLC 2025 (September 6 - 9, 2025, Barcelona, Spain)

       Travel coverage includes:

      • Roundtrip airfare to Barcelona
      • Up to 5 nights' accomodation (arriving by midday September 5) in Barcelona at one of our contracted hotels. 
      • Reimbursement for ground transportation, meals not covered during the conference, and incidental expenses.

       
      Who should I contact if I have questions?

      Feel free to explore the FAQs below for more information.

      Should you have any further questions or require additional assistance, please don't hesitate to email us. We're here to help!
      		 

       

      Frequently Asked Questions

      What is STARS?

      • Explore the magic of the IASLC STARS Programs here! 

      How many PRAs can join the 2025 STARS Scholar Program? 

      • A maximum of fifteen (15) Scholars will be selected through a competitive application process, aiming for a diverse global representation. 

      What is expected of PRAs in the 2025 STARS Scholar Program?

      •  Dive into the details by exploring the 'What Does the STARS Scholar Program Include?' and 'Who Can Apply to the Scholar Program' sections on this page.

      What is the format for the 2025 STARS Scholar Program?

      • Activities run August through October, mostly in-person at the IASLC World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) in Barcelona, Spain. There are some virtual meetings, including a conference-prep call and a networking call via Zoom. 

      What if I've never participated in STARS before? 

      • No worries! You don't have to be a past or current STARS participant to apply for the Scholar Program. 

      I participated in the STARS Scholar Program in 2023 or 2024. Can I apply again? 

      • Absolutely! If you participated in a previous year's STARS Scholar Program, you ARE eligible to apply again! Be prepared to share learnings from your first Scholar Program, how you integrated the learnings into your research advocacy work, and how attending again will help you achieve your goals. 

      What exactly is research advocacy? 

      • We have dedicated page just for this! Check it out here. 

      Do you have any other opportunities for patient advocates? 

      • Yes! IASLC offers tailored opportunities depending on where you are in your patient advocacy journey.
        • Consider applying for a Patient Advocate Educational Award if you are a patient with lung cancer or caregiver who is relatively new to patient advocacy, working on a project in the lung cancer commnity, and seeking travel coverage to WCLC 2025.
        • Consider the STARS PRA Program if you are a patient advocate interested in participating in a virtual interactive lung cancer science and research program.