Fostering Collaborations to Diagnose and Treat Diseases with Metal-Based Agents

The 2024 Metals in Medicine GRC will explore metal chelation strategies for radiation protection and the use of metal-based therapeutics to treat infectious diseases and cancer. The latest advances in the evaluation of metal-based agents for X-ray, light, or sono-dynamic therapies, and of radiometal-labeled agents as theranostics will be presented. Metallomics research that includes the role of metals in the pathogenesis of cancer and their role in immune system evasion will be featured. To complete the cycle from discovery to clinical translation, the latest metal-based agents that are now in clinical trials for the treatment of different diseases and for imaging will be discussed. This GRC will have a strong focus on fostering diversity in our field, along with an emphasis on mentorship and career development. We will devote time for exploring diversity in biomedical research to highlight advances in the study of biological determinants in health disparities, as well as strategies to motivate students underrepresented in biomedical research to enroll in science majors and participate in research. This will include not only students from specific ethnic backgrounds and from LGBTQIA+ groups, but individuals from low socio-economic backgrounds, with disabilities, with veteran status, as well as other non-traditional students. There will be many opportunities for one-on-one conversations with leaders from academia, national laboratories, and industry. We will have a ‘Power Hour’ to address issues around career advancement for STEM women scientists and will feature emerging investigators.