The objective of the ASPET Travel Award Program is to encourage the career development of young scientists through their participation in the ASPET Annual Meeting. Attendance provides the opportunity for young scientists to learn about recent advances in pharmacology, network with peers and international experts in the field of pharmacology, and to contribute their own work to the scientific dialogue.

The award consists of paid registration and up to four hotel nights at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, if the reservation is booked through ASPET at the group rate. International travel awards for those residing in developing countries also include US$500 for airfare. You must be an ASPET 2026 member and the presenting author on an abstract submitted by December 4. Renew your membership or join ASPET before starting your abstract in the portal..

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Poster awards are offered for outstanding poster presentations by undergraduates, graduate and post-baccalaureate students, and postdoctoral scientists attending ASPET 2026. The goal of the Student-Postdoc Poster Competition is to showcase and recognize the highest quality scientific work submitted by ASPET’s young scientist members.

Awards include cash prizes whose value varies by category. You must be an ASPET 2026 member and the presenting author on an abstract submitted by November 4. Renew your membership or join ASPET before starting your abstract in the portal.

Are you interested in an opportunity to practice your poster talk before competing? Organized by the Mentoring and Career Development Committee and tentatively planned for April 2026, ASPET plans to host an online session for practice talks where you can get constructive feedback in an informal setting ahead of the Annual Meeting.

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Divisions will select finalists for their oral presentation awards from eligible abstracts submitted by young scientists to their applicable abstract topic categories by December 4. No separate application is necessary. To be considered, you must be an ASPET 2026 member and the presenting author.

Session chairs will be reviewing abstracts submitted by December 4 and looking for relevant research that complements their session topics. Applicable presenting authors will be invited to join the session as a speaker.

The availability of a 2026 Guppy Tank Competition will be determined by the Program Committee by November 1 and applicable details for participation posted.

ASPET members can apply to the ASPET Family Support Fund by January 30 for financial support to help offset the cost of dependent care to enable members to present their research at the ASPET Annual Meeting.

The fund is a reimbursable allowance of up to $1,000 toward one of the eligible scenarios detailed here. Funds may not be used for ongoing dependent-care expenses. The Family Support Fund can be combined with the ASPET Travel Award.

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Are you a trainee looking for mentoring and networking experiences during ASPET 2026? The ASPET Young Scientists Committee invites you to participate in the peer mentoring program “Partnering for Success” at ASPET 2026.

This program matches senior trainees (e.g., advanced graduate students or postdocs) with more junior ones, in particular undergraduates and first-time meeting attendees. This program helps to provide a welcoming and supportive experience at the annual meeting where newer members can learn tips and tricks for navigating everything the meeting has to offer.

If you choose to participate in this program as either a mentor or a mentee, you’ll be matched with another ASPET trainee member. We suggest that pairs meet for at least 30 minutes during the meeting at a time that is mutually convenient. Mentors should endeavor to visit the mentee’s poster session and/or oral presentation during the meeting. We anticipate that mentors will provide some guidance for navigating the meeting as well as insights into preparing for career transitions.

While there is no expectation to continue these pairings after the annual meeting ends, many participants stay in touch and use this experience to expand their connections within ASPET. However, no future commitment is required from volunteers (unless mutually agreed upon).

Whether you’re a new ASPET member looking for guidance, or a more established trainee who wants to help show off all a scientific meeting can offer, we encourage you to participate!

Sign up for this program when you  register.

The ASPET Mentoring Network: Coaching for Career Development is a year-round program designed to supplement the training that graduate students and postdoctoral trainees receive through their university programs. The ASPET Mentoring Network focuses on developing skills needed to succeed scientifically, professionally, and personally. As a professional development experience, the program uses a group coaching model to help participants develop success skills for a variety of careers, including but not limited to academia, industry, government and policy.

Graduate students and postdoctoral scientists accepted into the 2026-2027 program will attend pre-conference workshop-style sessions ahead of ASPET 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Learn More

While in Minneapolis, take advantage of several opportunities for professional development and career exploration in the ASPET Career Connections room:

Individual career coaching appointments
Personalized guidance to help you navigate your career path. Sign up for a 30-minute one-on-one career coaching appointment with a senior ASPET member who can provide advice about your career trajectory.

Career Development Talks
Short, impactful talks on key topics to inspire and equip you for success.

Get a Free Professional Headshot
A professional photographer will be available for headshot appointments.

Meet & Mingle with Universities and Employers
Meet universities, labs, and employers scouting for new talent. Want to feature your company/university? Learn how here.

Spotlighting Job Openings
Job boards with the latest opportunities from employers and research labs. Have an opening at your institution? Bring a hard copy. Postings are free.

More details about concurrent sessions, workshops, and special events focused on advancing your career and developing your skills will be available by December 1.

Workshops/Sessions: TBD

Special Events:

• Young Scientist Mixer – Enjoy an evening of informal networking exclusively for students and postdocs.
• Community Service Project – Network with other ASPET volunteers at all career levels and scientific specialties the morning of Sunday, May 17th while serving the local community. Past projects have included painting, cleaning, meal prep, yard work. More info to come regarding the 2026 project.
• Division trainee events – More info to be available December 1.