Are you currently a trainee at Rogel Cancer Center?
University of Michigan | The Ohio State University
Different Fight Songs. One shared mission. Your research in the spotlight.
Ready to take your research across enemy lines?
The Beyond the Rivalry Series is a professional development opportunity that brings together postdoctoral cancer researchers from the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center and The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James) - giving postdocs from each institution the chance to visit another Big 10 school, present their work, meet faculty, and build connections that we hope last well beyond their time as a postdoc. Think of it as the only rivalry where everybody wins.
The Beyond the Rivalry Postdoc Speaker Series is a pilot program for Academic Year 2026–27. Each institution will select two postdoctoral fellows to travel together to visit the rival institution. Each scholar will present their research, sit down with faculty, network with fellow trainees, then return home having made real connections at one of the country’s leading cancer centers.
Participants will:
Give an oral presentation to a new scientific audience
Receive structured feedback on your presentation
Meet with faculty at the host institution, including potential future collaborators/employers
Network with fellow trainees
Build your CV
Travel, hotel, and per diem covered
Postdoctoral researchers who are ready to share their science, step outside their home institution, and invest in their professional development. You’re a strong candidate if you are:
A current postdoctoral researcher or clinical fellow working at the Rogel Cancer Center or with a Rogel Cancer Center Member
Generally, in your first 2–5 years of postdoctoral training (flexibility considered on a case-by-case basis)
Actively building an independent research portfolio
Preparing for a transition to a faculty or independent research position
Someone who has not previously participated in a similar inter-institutional exchange program
A Registered Cancer Center Trainee Member working with a Cancer Center member (Register Here)
Travel: Overnight visit (Ann Arbor ↔ Columbus). Mileage, hotel, and per diem are covered/reimbursed per university travel policies.
Hosting: The host institution organizes the day’s agenda, including presentation events, faculty meetings, and networking, plus a shared meal or dinner where appropriate.
Coordination: Logistics are managed jointly by the Rogel Cancer Center TrECC Office and OSU’s CRTEC office.
Timing: Scholar visits will be planned October - November of 2026
Exchange scholars do not receive honoraria for presentations, but bragging rights are unlimited.
Contact RogelTrECC@med.umich.edu with questions