The SIG Beat

Rare Endocrine Tumors Scientific Interest Group

The NIH-Rare Endocrine Tumors Scientific Interest Group (NIH-RET SIG) stands as a pioneering initiative within the NIH dedicated to the field of endocrine oncology. The group emphasizes understanding rare endocrine and neuroendocrine tumors, which pose significant clinical and research challenges due to their complexity and often under-researched malignancies.

The NIH-RET SIG aims to foster the sharing of knowledge, resources, and expertise by promoting cross-institutional and cross-disciplinary partnerships—both within the NIH (intramural) and with external academic and clinical institutions.

This SIG facilitates interdisciplinary collaboration among basic scientists and clinical researchers by cultivating a supportive community in which researchers can exchange ideas, discuss challenges, and collaborate on solutions to longstanding questions in the field, and by promoting innovative research efforts that deepen our understanding of the biological, genetic, and pathophysiological mechanisms underlying rare endocrine tumors. These efforts are critical for advancing scientific knowledge as well as developing improved diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies.

Webpage: https://oir.nih.gov/sigs/rare-endocrine-tumors-scientific-interest-group

Contact: Myriem Boufraqech (myriem.boufraqech@nih.gov) or Jaydira Del Rivero (jaydira.delrivero@nih.gov)

Sarcoma Interest Group

The Sarcoma Interest Group (SAIG) fosters collaboration among NIH and extramural researchers to advance sarcoma research. To facilitate knowledge exchange, SAIG will host monthly online seminars and workshops, providing a dedicated platform for discussion and innovation. Given that sarcomas are systemic diseases arising from various tissue and organ types, SAIG will engage researchers across multiple NIH institutes. Initially, all meetings will be virtual.

Through its seminar series, SAIG aims to keep NIH researchers informed about the latest sarcoma research; strengthen intramural-extramural collaborations; support the development of novel therapeutic strategies; and attract highly qualified trainees to NIH laboratories. Annually, SAIG will feature a presentation from the Fellows Award for Research Excellence (FARE) recipient, showcasing their research contributions. Looking ahead, SAIG envisions hosting a biannual in-person workshop at NIH, featuring keynote speakers from outside institutions. These initiatives will enhance mentorship, foster career development, further strengthen the sarcoma research community, and contribute to NIH’s mission of advancing human health.

Webpage: https://oir.nih.gov/sigs/sarcoma-interest-group

Contact: Jing Huang (huangj3@mail.nih.gov)

Veterinary Medicine Interest Group

The NIH Vet Med Interest Group strives to connect anyone curious about veterinary medicine and animal care. The Vet Med Interest Group organizes volunteer opportunities in the area, fosters connections between fellows and faculty, and provides networking opportunities for NIH members across all institutes. Additionally, the interest group will organize guest speakers from both within NIH and the broader veterinary community to share their career paths, schooling, research, and advice with trainees who may be interested in pursuing veterinary medicine.

This group strengthens the intramural research program by hosting discussions across institutes, hosting career development talks, and supporting translational and comparative research efforts. The SIG meets monthly to provide information and support to members. Participation in this group does not require active involvement in veterinary medicine, and all NIH members, regardless of career goals, are encouraged to attend events and talks.

Webpage: https://oir.nih.gov/sigs/vet-med-interest-group

Contact: Kate Silver (kate.silver@nih.gov) or Hana Petersen (hana.petersen@nih.gov)