Introduction
The University Cancer Case Competition (UCCC) is an interdisciplinary case competition for Australian university students with an exclusive focus on cancer. Each year, the UCCC presents a real-world problem in the cancer space. University students are asked to work in teams to generate specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely solutions to the case problem, and submit their solution in the form of a preliminary deliverable. Deliverables are subject to a round of screening, with the 5 top-ranked teams given an opportunity to present their solution to a panel of judges consisting of a public health awareness body, a researcher, a clinician, and a patient. The top 3 teams, as selected by the judges, will be awarded a monetary prize, with the first place winners also receiving an exclusive research internship offer at a relevant public health institution.
As an organisation founded by university students, we at YACI understand that university students often have remarkably innovative ideas on how they can change the world for the better, but lack the resources to be able to put these ideas into practice. We at YACI place high value on the thought leadership of students, and seek through UCCC to create a platform for students to convert thought to action, and empower them to effect real and meaningful change outside of the lecture theatre.
The theme for 2024 is Improving the Rural Cancer Care Experience!
Click ‘going’ on our Facebook event to keep up to date!
Program
The case competition will be open to all students studying in any course at any Australian university. At YACI, we believe that the solution to the problem of cancer requires input not only from doctors and scientists, but also professionals from every discipline, including politicians, economists, and engineers, and strongly encourage students from other faculties to join the discussion and become part of the solution. The timeline for 2024 is as follows:
Wed 10th Jul 2024 (9:00am): Registrations open. Early bird registrations open until Wednesday 31st July (11:59pm).
Wed 17th Jul 2024 (9:00am): UCCC case file and guideline documents released. UCCC submissions open.
Wed 24th July 2024 (5:30pm-7:30pm): UCCC Information Night (online)
Thu 1st Aug 2024 (5:30pm): Problem Solving and Slide Making Workshop & QnA session (online)
Wed 14th Aug 2024 (11:59pm): Registrations close
Wed 28th Aug 2024 (4:59pm): Submissions close
Wed 11th Sept 2024: Finalists announced
Wed 25th Sept 2024 (5:30pm-7:30pm): UCCC Finalist Night
*Please note all times are in AEST.
Who can apply?
All students currently enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate university course are eligible to apply. Students must form teams of 2-4 members. Individual students may still apply and be randomly allocated into a team by the UCCC staff.
Please note that even though UCCC is a cancer-focused case competition, we highly encourage students to form interdisciplinary teams so as to present a most well-rounded and holistic solution to the issue.
Students from interstate and overseas are most welcome to apply, but please note that UCCC will not be responsible for covering any associated travel or accommodation expenses.
How to apply?
You can apply to participate in UCCC 2024 here: https://www.trybooking.com/CSYYS
Early bird registration (closing Wednesday 31st of July) : $3 per person
Standard registration (closing Wednesday 14th of August): $5 per person
If you already have formed a team: Great! Book your tickets now! Please note that we will only accept one booking per team, thus please assign one team member to register the whole team.
(For example, if you are in a team of 3, please assign 1 team member to purchase 3 tickets by typing ‘3’ under ‘Quantity’)
If you are an individual looking for a team: Don’t worry! Book your ticket now and we will randomly allocate you to a team as soon as possible.
Case File and Guidelines
Access the Case File and Guidelines here or on the YACI FB page.
How do we submit our preliminary deliverable
PowerPoint Presentation and Overview report submissions are to be uploaded to the Google Drive by Wednesday 28th August (4.59pm). Please refer to the guidelines for further details.
UCCC Information Night
The 2024 UCCC Information Night will be held online via zoom with presentations from guest speakers. These will also be uploaded to YouTube and shared on YACI social media platforms after the event.
Date: Wednesday 24th of July 2024 5:30pm
Location: ONLINE via Zoom. Here is the recording: 2024 YACI UCCC Info Night
Who can come?
This event is open to anyone in the general public interested in rural cancer care, but will be especially beneficial and advantageous for all UCCC registrants and those considering registration to attend.
Why should I come?
- Gain knowledge and deepen your understanding of rural cancer care.
- Receive valuable tips and learn the keys to success from last year’s case competition finalist.
- Receive the opportunity to ask the guest speaker panel and the UCCC team any questions you may have regarding UCCC.
UCCC Workshops
Problem Solving and Slide Making Workshop & QnA session (via Zoom)
Here is the recording: Problem Solving and Slide-Making + QnA Workshop
Join us for our highly anticipated workshop, where we will explore the art of problem-solving and delve into the essential realm of presentation skills.
In this engaging session, we will equip you with invaluable techniques to tackle public health challenges systematically, providing you with a distinct advantage amidst fierce competition. Gain insights into crafting captivating slide decks, discover the secrets to capturing your audience’s attention, and learn the art of delivering your message with maximum impact. This will be followed by a Q&A session for anyone to clear their queries about the UCCC.
Submit your questions here.
Prepare to sharpen your problem-solving prowess and enhance your presentation abilities in an interactive and informative environment. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to elevate your skill set!
UCCC Finalist Night
Date: Wednesday 25th of September 2024 | 5:30-7:30PM AEST
Tickets: FREE event
Location: https://unimelb.zoom.us/j/81807602115?pwd=IwWv1cx2YiaJAfAdjfwOmu8Lvb0OlO.1
Password: 138591
Who can come?
This event is open to the general public. Friends and families of the finalists are most welcome to attend, and it is highly recommended that all UCCC non-finalist registrants attend too.
Why should I come?
- Support the top 5 finalist teams, who will present their proposal to an esteemed panel of judges on the night.
- Personally observe and experience a cancer case competition, the first of its kind in Australia!
- Learn from your peers and gain knowledge on what makes a successful case competition proposal. This will be highly beneficial in preparing for subsequent UCCC cases.
Prizes:
- 1st prize: $300 and a research internship
- 2nd prize: $200
- 3rd prize: $100
FAQ
I am not studying a science (or related) course and have no science background. Am I still eligible to apply?
Yes, of course! UCCC does not assume any advanced science background of its registrants. While a science background is certainly relevant, we encourage students to form interdisciplinary teams in order to present the most well-rounded and holistic solution possible. We also highly recommend attendance to our UCCC Information Session to obtain a better understanding of the case file topic.
I am not studying at a Victorian university. Am I still eligible to apply?
Yes, of course! Students from interstate and overseas are most welcome to apply.
Help! I don’t have a team but I’m keen to participate!
Don’t worry! Book a ticket for yourself now and the UCCC team will randomly allocate you into a team as soon as possible.
Help! We’ve already registered but have a friend who wants to join our group/ I want to join my friends group!
Awesome – the more the merrier! Please do the following:
a. already registered group: email us at uccc@yaci.org.au with your friend’s full name to confirm the addition of a team member, and ask your friend to register
b. wanting to register: register as an individual and send us an email confirming you want to be placed in your friend’s group. Please provide all the team member’s names.
If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us at uccc@yaci.org.au.