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.

Who can apply?

Any graduate student or postdoctoral researcher working on a scientific project with translational potential can apply to the Guppy Tank Translational Science Pitch Competition. The project can be based on data generated from in vitro, ex vivo tissue or in vivo experiments or incorporating AI/computational/in silico/data sciences. The research aims to identify a therapeutic target or platform likely to, or with the potential to, translate to human physiology and prevent, reverse, or treat disease pathology.

Why apply?

Applicants chosen to be one of the 4 finalists will:
1) Receive a discounted registration rate to the 2026 ASPET Annual Meeting ($125 for postdocs; $25 for graduate students).
2) Receive up to 2 nights complimentary hotel accommodation in the official ASPET hotel block.
3) Receive one-on-one coaching from industry level experts to build your final pitch.
4) Present your innovation to a live audience at the ASPET 2026 meeting and receive constructive feedback from an elite panel of judges.
5) Connect with the industry network and enhance your visibility!
6) Engage in a one-on-one post-conference meeting with a senior scientific leader and get development advice and feedback on the technology pitched at the competition.
7) Be recognized as the best pitch award winner and brand your research in a special article published in The Pharmacologist monthly news magazine.

Apply by Thursday, January 8, 2026 using this application link.

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 a friendly, low-pressure way to network and navigate ASPET 2026? The ASPET Young Scientists Committee invites you to participate in "Partnering for Success," a conference buddy program.

This program connects two ASPET trainee members, pairing a returning attendee (usually an advanced graduate student or postdoc) with a first-time attendee, including undergraduates. Whether you’re attending the meeting on your own or looking to expand your network, this program gives you someone to connect with during the conference and help you get the most out of the ASPET Annual Meeting.

Buddy pairs are encouraged to meet for at least 30 minutes at a mutually convenient time. You might walk through poster sessions together, meet briefly over coffee, or check in between sessions. Buddies are encouraged to visit their partner’s session or poster and share practical advice about navigating the meeting. There is no expectation to continue after ASPET 2026; the aim is simply to ensure that every trainee feels supported and included during the meeting.

Whether you are attending your first ASPET Annual Meeting or are a returning attendee eager to help a colleague make the most of their ASPET experience, we encourage you to participate. We especially encourage returning attendees to lend their experience and help first-time participants feel welcomed and connected.

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.