Special to the Reporter
“Scientists came to share, collaborate, and change the future of ovarian cancer research.”
World-class researchers and rising stars in ovarian cancer research came together on Sept. 20-21 for the Mercer Island Rivkin Center’s 15th Biennial Ovarian Cancer Research Symposium in partnership with the American Association for Cancer Research in the Seattle area.
The goal: advance knowledge and shape the future of treatment and prevention — and get closer to a cure. The symposium remains highly valued for being the first event of its kind to bring together ovarian cancer researchers almost 30 years ago.
The intimate, focused experience featured 250-plus attendees, including 47 international participants from 12 countries, and created an environment ideal for collaboration and meaningful connections.
“It’s small, but that’s what makes it powerful,” said Dr. Jackie Lang, the Rivkin Center’s Scientific Programs director. “Everyone knows each other, or at least recognizes names from papers, and the relevance of the discussions to their own work is much higher.”
This close-knit setting fosters a level of engagement and collaboration that stands out.
A hallmark of the symposium is its role in nurturing collaborations among scientists. The poster sessions, in particular, became hotbeds of spontaneous idea generation and partnership formation.
“People weren’t just presenting their findings; they were talking about potential collaborations,” said Dr. Lang. “I overheard multiple conversations where researchers were offering to share samples and data. That kind of cross-pollination is invaluable.”
One of the unique aspects of the Rivkin Center’s symposium is the way it elevates emerging scientists, giving them space to present their work alongside some of the most respected names in ovarian cancer research.
“It’s not just about the rock stars,” explained Mercer Island-raised Melissa Rivkin, board chair and eldest daughter of Marsha Rivkin, in whose memory the Rivkin Center was established. “Yes, we invite the leaders in the field, but we also create space for the up-and-comers. This is their chance to get noticed, to share their work, and to build their careers.”
Melissa’s father is center founder and Island resident Dr. Saul Rivkin, a retired oncologist.
Another critical component of the symposium is the inclusion of patient voices. Early in the event, a patient advocacy panel set the tone, reminding researchers of the very real human lives impacted by their work. The panel featured survivors and advocates who spoke candidly about the challenges of living with ovarian cancer and the importance of patient-informed research.
“They’re not just statistics; they’re people. Their stories inspire us and bring a real sense of urgency to the scientific discussions,” said Molly O’Connor, CEO of the Rivkin Center.
