Cancer Glyco-X: Intersections of Cancer and Glycoscience

The study of glycosylation offers exciting new opportunities to improve cancer detection and treatment. By bringing together scientists across the cancer and glycoscience fields, Cancer Glyco-X aims to serve as a springboard for new collaborations focused on accelerating breakthroughs. 

The 2026 symposium will highlight the intersection of cancer and glycoscience. Speakers will explore glycobiology, biomarkers, technology development, immunology and more.

For questions or to be added to our email list, please contact Courtney Zirkle.

Our program is under development. Please check back soon! To be added to our email list, please contact Courtney Zirkle.

Poster abstracts may be submitted during registration, which will open in summer 2025. For questions or to be added to our email list, please contact Courtney Zirkle.

Eligibility
Students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty and research staff are welcome to submit an abstract. If the number of submitted poster abstracts exceeds the space, the organizers will select the abstracts that are most relevant to the conference theme.

Abstract format
Submitted abstracts should represent original research. The title should be brief and descriptive, and the body should include rationale, methods and results. Please prepare abstracts using the below template.

Abstract submission
Poster abstracts should be submitted during the registration process.

Questions?
Questions regarding abstract submission, posters or the poster session can be directed to Courtney Zirkle.

TITLE OF ABSTRACT IN ALL CAPS (STYLE = TITLE)

Presenting Author^1,2, Other Author¹, and Last Author^1,3(Style = Authors)

¹First Dept., Institution, City, State, Country, ²Second Dept., Institution, City, State, Country, and ³Last Dept., Institution, City, State, Country (Style = Affiliations)

Body of abstract using 300 words or less. Define each abbreviation at first use. All fonts should be Arial, 11 pt. and text should be single spaced. Once you have filled in this template, choose File>Save As and save your file as a Word document (.doc or .docx) with the filename lastname_abstract. (Style = Body)

EXAMPLE

GLYCANS AS BIOMARKERS FOR PANCREATIC DUCTAL ADENOCARCINOMA

Anna Smith¹

¹ Department of Cell Biology, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, United States

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common type of pancreatic cancer, accounting for approximately 85% of cases. It remains one of the deadliest forms of cancer with a five-year survival rate of only 13% …

When is the 2026 Cancer Glyco-X Symposium? How much does it cost?
The 2026 Cancer Glyco-X Symposium will take place May 5–6, 2026. The registration fees for the symposium are:

• $50 for trainees (graduate students and postdoctoral fellows)
• $150 for non-trainees

What does the registration fee include?
The registration fee includes lunch and an evening networking reception.

Can I register a group for the 2026 Cancer Glyco-X Symposium?
Yes! The registration form allows one person to register and pay for a group. Once registration is complete for one person, please click “add person” in the bottom right corner of the form. Input the second person’s information and continue in this manner until all parties in the group are registered. The system will then charge a total cost for the group.

Will late registrations for the 2026 Cancer Glyco-X Symposium be accepted?
Unfortunately, late registrations will not be accepted. All attendees must register online by 11:59 p.m. EST on Monday, April 27, 2026.

What if I need accessible parking?
Please contact Courtney Zirkle at [email protected] to discuss any accessibility needs.

What if I have dietary needs?
Please include any dietary allergies or restrictions on your registration or application form. Every effort will be made to accommodate requests.

How do I become a sponsor?
Please contact Courtney Zirkle at [email protected] for more information on sponsorship opportunities.

What is the refund policy for the symposium?
Refund requests must be made in writing on or before April 27, 2026, and sent to Courtney Zirkle at [email protected].

How do I get to VAI?
Van Andel Institute is located in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan, and is approximately 20 minutes from the Gerald R. Ford International Airport. VAI is conveniently located within walking distance of multiple local hotels. Lyft, Uber, and taxi services are available in Grand Rapids.

Looking for accommodations? Here are some close suggestions:
Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton – 187 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Distance to VAI: 0.6 miles

JW Marriott Grand Rapids – 235 Louis St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Distance to VAI: 0.7 miles

AC Hotel – 50 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Distance to VAI: 0.6 miles

Code of Conduct Guidelines
We are dedicated to providing a harassment-free, non-discriminatory symposium experience for all participants, regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, pregnancy, height, weight, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other personal characteristics covered by applicable law. We will not tolerate harassment of conference participants in any form. We expect participants at our events to engage in constructive and professional discussions at all times. Harassment can include unwelcomed attention, inappropriate comments or jokes that refer to sexual topics, requests for dates, or other sexual activities as well as the use of language that may demean or degrade individuals. These behaviors are not appropriate for any of our conference venues, including talks, workshops, networking sessions, poster sessions, social networking platforms, and other online media platforms. Any participant violating these guidelines will be removed from the symposium at the discretion of the conference organizers.

Anyone who has experienced the above, or who has witnessed such behavior, should notify Courtney Zirkle. Anonymous reporting may also be done through the EthicsPoint Hotline.