Forbeck Forums
Promoting advances in cancer research through collaboration.

Forbeck Forum Information


About the Forbeck Foundation

 Forbeck Forum Information
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 General Program
 Frequently Asked Questions
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The Story

In October, 1983, ten-year old William (Billy) Guy Forbeck was diagnosed with neuroblastoma. Billy began a thirteen-month odyssey battling the disease but unfortunately succumbed at age 11. In 1985, George and Jennifer Forbeck, established the Foundation to continue the communication that began during Billy's treatment between doctors, researchers, institutions around the world and from different areas of research.

The Objective

The objective is to drive communication and collaborations between scientists and clinicians to build connections that are vital to advancing oncology research. It is NOT the purpose to discuss published research, but to provide a forum for the cross fertilization of ideas, concepts, and observations. Twelve to sixteen physicians and scientists are invited to meet in a private "think tank" environment, to exchange ideas freely in the hope of building on each other's ideas, knowledge, and experience.

Meeting Structure

The meeting structure has been developed over years of experience and recommendations from past participants.

  • Participants have approximately 50 minutes for their presentation and discussion. The presentation should last about twenty minutes briefly covering background information and areas that are new or need further input. This should be structured in such a way as to lead to a lively discussion.
  • A MAXIMUM of 5 slide equivalents per presentation is allowed (Power point slides should not contain more than one graph or gel per slide and no more than 5 bullet points to stress the points being made by the presenter.) We appreciate cooperation with the spirit of this guideline. Handouts are welcome but should be distributed before sessions.
  • Everyone is expected to actively participate in discussions.
  • Participants are asked to submit an abstract outlining the theme of their presentation.
  • The time spent at the meeting is relatively short, so please be familiar with papers received prior to the meeting.
  • It is very important that you commit to all sessions of the 2 days of meetings.

The Abstracts

The abstracts should include a title, be only one or two paragraphs outlining the theme of your presentation and should reflect the objective and spirit of the meeting (see above). Abstracts will be circulated about one week before the meeting. The meeting organizer will start requesting them a month before the meeting.

Spouses

Spouses are welcome to attend the events at the meeting at their own cost but are not allowed to actively participate. (Please, no children).

Other Details

Occasionally there are guests that also attend the meetings such as members of the Foundation's Scientific Advisory Board, Board of Director's, recipients of the Foundation Scholar Award, Forbeck Family members and donors.