The ISAC International Innovators Program is a 4-year leadership program for early-career innovators working to bring new cytometry technologies to the scientific community. We welcome applicants from academia, industry, start-ups, government, non-profits, and clinical settings. Supported innovation activities include inventing new technologies, applying existing technologies in new ways, developing new means of commercializing and deploying tools, and translating novel techniques into clinical practice. Applicants with backgrounds in engineering, chemistry, physics, life sciences, biomedical technology, and computer science are especially encouraged to apply. The program is designed for individuals who have demonstrated innovation impact early in their careers and who are poised to become future leaders within the cytometry community.

Program participants have the opportunity to collaborate with ISAC members to identify unmet needs, share new cytometry technologies and tools through participation in the CYTO Innovation Committee, and expand their knowledge of paths to market for these technologies. The program offers networking and access to experts in key areas of technology translation including intellectual property, funding, and commercial development. Interaction with experienced entrepreneurs and industry professionals provides opportunities for industry feedback on priorities in the commercial cytometry market.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should generally be within 8 years of their highest earned degree or equivalent professional training. However, career stage will be evaluated holistically. We recognize that career paths vary and welcome applicants who are still in the developmental phase of their leadership journey, regardless of age or career interruptions. The program is intended for developing leaders rather than individuals already serving in established senior leadership roles.

Examples of eligible applicant profiles may include:

• Postdoctoral researchers
• Entrepreneurs
• Assistant or associate professors
• Staff scientists and engineers
• Clinicians
• Open-source developers

Participant Expectations

Innovators will be expected to attend the annual CYTO congress, participate in the CYTO Innovation session, and attend online monthly CYTO Innovation Committee meetings. Innovators are also expected to engage in broader ISAC activities such as committees, program planning, session chairs at the annual meeting, etc. Interactions with the other two ISAC leadership track groups, the Marylou Ingram Scholars and the SRL Emerging Leaders, is strongly encouraged. In addition, an annual report will be required outlining each participant’s innovation activities and ISAC involvement. Innovators will make their best effort to promote the ISAC message of innovation and advancement of cytometry in local communities.

Current ISAC Innovators

2024 – 2027

2025 – 2028

2026-2029

International Innovator Alumni