For the fourth year, early-career investigators from around the world will take part in the Amazing Case Race during the World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC), when it returns September 12-15 in Seoul, Republic of Korea. The Amazing Case Race helps showcase the work and expertise of IASLC Academy members while providing valuable experience in presenting cases related to specific projects they’ve been working on over the past year.

The IASLC Academy selects a new class of early-career clinicians each year who work directly with mentors to complete a research project related to their career development. The interactive and educational competition features intriguing thoracic oncology cases presented by early-career investigators from institutions around the world. Participating case posters will be displayed throughout the COEX Convention & Exhibition Center for the duration of the conference.

“One of the things that makes the Amazing Case Race special is that it reflects the IASLC’s commitment to innovative medical education,” said Alan Nguyen, IASLC Education Coordinator. “We believe that some of the best learning comes from real patient cases, thoughtful discussion, and active participation rather than passive observation.”

Attendees can visit the posters, review the cases, and vote for those they find most educational and impactful. Live leaderboards displayed throughout the venue will show the real-time standings as the competition unfolds.

The winning cases will be revealed on the final day of WCLC; however, the competition continues beyond the conclusion of the meeting. The top five winning cases will be developed into interactive educational simulations, which will be available on Lung Cancer 360—the IASLC’s online learning library.

“Because the winning cases become enduring educational simulations, participants have the opportunity to make a lasting contribution to medical education that extends well beyond WCLC itself,” Mr. Nguyen said.

The interactive approach to judging the competition not only provides additional learning opportunities for WCLC attendees, it also shapes how presenters construct their cases. Mr. Nguyen said knowing that attendees will actively engage with and vote on the cases encourages investigators to think strategically about how they communicate their work. Instead of simply presenting information, they focus on telling a compelling clinical story that invites learners to think critically alongside them.

“We’ve seen participants place greater emphasis on clear learning objectives, thoughtful clinical decision points, and engaging visuals that make complex information more accessible,” Mr. Nguyen said. “The result is a collection of cases that are not only scientifically rigorous but also highly educational and memorable.”

Now entering its fourth year at WCLC, the Amazing Case Race has grown significantly since its debut in 2023. This growth is evident not only in increased participation but also in the greater diversity of perspectives represented.

As more investigators from around the world contribute their cases, the competition has highlighted a wider array of clinical challenges that reflect the realities of practicing thoracic oncology across diverse healthcare systems.

“The Amazing Case Race has become a forum for sharing diverse approaches to patient care and fostering conversations that transcend geographic boundaries,” Mr. Nguyen said. “That’s one of the things that makes WCLC such a valuable international meeting.”

While the Amazing Case Race includes competitive elements, it also is an opportunity for IASLC Academy members to demonstrate their expertise on an international stage, gain recognition from colleagues, and build confidence as future educators and leaders in thoracic oncology. It also fosters connections with peers from different institutions, specialties, and countries.

“Whether you’re presenting a case, voting for your favorites, or simply stopping by to learn something new, the Amazing Case Race offers an engaging way to connect with colleagues and experience the collaborative spirit that makes WCLC unique,” Mr. Nguyen said. “We encourage everyone attending the conference to take a few minutes to explore the cases and learn something new.”