Anna Schönbichler is a PhD student at the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna in Austria who received an EACR Travel Fellowship to visit and work at the University of Tasmania in Australia between January and March 2024.
The EACR, with support from Worldwide Cancer Research, provides Travel Fellowships of up to €3,500 to enable early-career cancer researchers to gain new skills through a short-term visit to a lab or research group in another country.
You can read about other Travel Fellows and their experiences here.
Name: Anna Schönbichler
Job title: PhD student
Home institute: University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Austria
Host institute: University of Tasmania, Australia
Dates of visit: 31 January – 29 March 2024
Other organisations that funded your trip: My home university supported me with the additional help of 800 EUR
Research: In my PhD research, I’m investigating transmissible cancer in Tasmanian devils, the world’s largest carnivorous marsupial, endemic to Tasmania. These cancers, spread between individuals, threaten the iconic species and its vital role in the ecosystem. Understanding these malignancies and how they can transmit between animals is crucial to saving the devils from extinction. Additionally, these unique cancer cells serve as a valuable model for studying human cancer, providing insights into tumour immunity, metastasis, and organ transplantation.
Why did you choose to apply for an EACR Travel Fellowship?
I chose to apply for the EACR Travel Fellowship because I view pursuing a PhD as an opportunity for personal and professional growth, pushing boundaries beyond my comfort zone. Joining a research lab in Tasmania, a very distant country from my home country Austria, fosters independence and builds confidence—qualities I sought to cultivate. Additionally, I believe meaningful scientific progress hinges on connections with diverse researchers. Meeting face-to-face and exchanging ideas enriches these connections, enhancing the collaborative nature of science.
How did you choose the host lab?
I conducted my research stay in the Menzies Institute at the University of Tasmania under the guidance of Dr. Andy Flies. From the start of my PhD project, I have been in a close collaboration with Andy and his team, who are esteemed pioneers in Tasmanian devil research. We engage in monthly online discussions and I occasionally participate in their lab meetings, fuelled by copious amounts of coffee due to the time zone difference. The enthusiastic invitation and collaborative atmosphere fostered by Andy and his team affirmed my decision to join their lab for this very special and beneficial time.
“Their threat of their extinction underscored the importance of my research in preserving the extraordinary biodiversity I was fortunate to witness”
Can you summarise the research you did?
My visit provided profound insights into the significance of my research. Collaborating closely with Tasmanian veterinarians, and therefore interacting with real Tasmanian devils, revealed the invaluable role of this species in preserving the ecosystem. Furthermore, I now understand more than ever that my project – namely investigating the molecular mechanisms of the cancer – has direct implications for vaccine development in Tasmania and this reinforced the purpose of my research upon returning home.
Did you take part in any interesting local activities?
My host lab in Tasmania is dedicated to developing a groundbreaking vaccine to safeguard Tasmanian devils from this devastating disease. Recently, they received approval to conduct a promising vaccine trial on captive Tasmanian devils. I had the privilege of contributing to setting up the pens for this trial, effectively bridging my lab-based research with real-world applications. This hands-on experience proved immensely valuable.
What was a personal highlight of your trip?
The highlight of my visit was undoubtedly the opportunity to observe Tasmanian devils in their natural environment. I actively took part in trapping and conducting health assessments on a secure, tumour-free population. I even had the privilege of holding the paw of a Tasmanian devil named Stanley while a vet from Andy’s lab was drawing blood for analysis. Witnessing these remarkable creatures firsthand only deepened my commitment to my PhD project. Their threat of their extinction underscored the importance of my research in preserving the extraordinary biodiversity I was fortunate to witness – thanks to the EACR Travel Fellowship.
Have you brought back any specific knowledge or technique that has benefited your home lab?
While working in my host lab in Tasmania, I acquired skills in producing recombinant cytokines specific to Tasmanian devils—a valuable asset for my research back in Vienna. Given the genetic disparities between Tasmanian devils, humans, and mice, commercially available cytokines often lack utility in my studies. Utilising vector design and protein expression in Cho hamster cells, followed by purification, enables the production of species-specific cytokines. This newfound capability to generate these cytokines ourselves opens up avenues for novel experiments and advancements in our research endeavors.
Want to find out more?
If you are interested in applying for the Travel Fellowship scheme, please click here for more information: EACR Travel Fellowships.
