Bridging educational and research gaps among young oncologists in Latin America: Results from a multicenter survey.

9032 Background: Strengthening oncology research capacity in LATAM is critical to improving regional cancer outcomes. Early-career oncologists play a central role in clinical research, yet structural barriers limit their engagement. Data on educational access, research opportunities, and training needs in LATAM remain limited. This study describes research involvement among early-career oncologists and assesses access to training, mentorship, and career development opportunities, and key barriers to education and research participation. Methods: An international, cross-sectional, web-based survey was conducted between Nov/2025 and Jan/2026 among early-career oncologists in LATAM (<40 years or <10 years post-training). Data included demographics and professional development indicators related to research and training. Results: A total of 105 surveys were included and were mainly from Colombia 37.1%, Mexico 23.8%, Argentina 8.6%, and other LATAM countries 30.5%; 58.1% were female. Most were ≤40 years 84.8%, with 43.8% aged 30–35; 19.0% were in training and 55.2% early career. 19% reported no research involvement; 71.4% dedicated <25% of professional time to research, and only 9.5% ≥26%. Most participants (80.0%) received no research-related compensation. Although 51.4% reported access to educational opportunities, only 29.5% perceived adequate access to clinical research. Institutional encouragement was reported by 23.8%, and 39.0% had a clear career development plan. Main training barriers were cost (63.8%), clinical workload (61.9%), and limited institutional support (49.5%). The leading unmet educational need was clinical trials and research methodology (83.8%), followed by precision medicine (64.8%) and leadership/oncology management (57.1%). Overall, 68.6% had prior research exposure—mainly as collaborators (43.8%)—while only 21.9% reported principal investigator experience. Key research barriers included limited clinical time (58.1%), lack of funding (48.6%), and restricted research networks (42.9%). Only 37.1% reported an active mentor; institutional mentorship was available to 22.9%, and formal leadership training to 30.5%. Despite high motivation, structural barriers—including limited protected time, funding, mentorship, and institutional support—restrict research engagement among young oncologists in LATAM. Clinical trials and research methodology as unmet needs underscores a gap between educational access and effective research capacity development. Conclusions: Young oncologists in LATAM face limited opportunities for active research participation. Structural barriers—including workload, funding, restricted networks, and limited mentorship—hinder progression toward independent research and leadership roles, underscoring the need for programs that expand participation pathways beyond education.