PROJECT SUMMARY Funds are requested to provide partial support for the 69th Annual Conference of Coccidioidomycosis Study Group (CSG) to be held on April 5-6, 2025, hosted by the Arizona State University Health Futures Center in Phoenix, Arizona. CSG prides itself on bringing the largest group of coccidioidomycosis researchers together to share the latest clinical and basic laboratory findings, provide opportunities for collaboration, and especially to promote the development of junior trainees. Researchers, physicians, veterinarians, other healthcare providers, epidemiologists, and various trainees (students/residents/fellows/postdocs) from over 30 laboratories have attended annually. The CSG typically rotates between Arizona and California, but the 68th CSG was in San Antonio which is at the edge of the endemic region. A growing number of medical mycologists have attended this meeting, leading to its longevity and significance over the past 68 years. Although the meeting format has evolved over the years, the current format focuses on oral and poster presentations by trainees regarding their most exciting and impactful research data. The small group setting provides a welcoming environment that successfully promotes discussion and constructive feedback for trainees. The program includes seven scientific sessions with 38-40 slots for trainees’ oral presentations, a poster session, a keynote speaker, a business meeting hour, and a sponsor-funded banquet. The small group setting in the planned program and attendance by PIs and trainees is excellent for networking and promoting trainee development Dr. Thuy Le, a renowned medical mycologist from Duke University in the area of talaromycosis has accepted our invitation to be the 2025 keynote speaker. We request 10 travel awards ($750 each) for trainees to present in-person and to encourage more early career scientists to attend the meeting. Travel award recipients will be selected on the basis of their application for (i) need of travel support and (ii) quality and merit of their research. Aligning with DEI requirements, we will also assign a higher priority for women and minority trainees as well as anyone challenged with a physical disability.

PROJECT NARRATIVE The Goal of this R13 Scientific Conference application is to partially fund the 69th annual Coccidioidomycosis Study Group at the Arizona State University Health Futures Center in Phoenix, AZ. Phoenix is in Maricopa county, AZ which has more yearly cases of coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever) diagnosed than any other location in the world. This meeting is an opportunity for clinical and basic science researchers to exchange information and for young investigators and trainees to present their findings to the Valley Fever community in a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment.