We met in Budapest, Hungary for the EACR 2026 Congress between 08-11 June 2026. This EACR conference covered a wide array of topics across the spectrum of cancer research, including: ageing and cancer, biological rhythms and its impact on cancer therapy, cell death mechanisms, genomic instability, mechanisms of tumour metastasis, tumour heterogeneity at the single cell level, and much more on further cutting-edge topics.
Supported by Worldwide Cancer Research, we were delighted to award 50 Travel Grants to help cancer researchers in need of financial assistance to attend the event.
Scroll through our Travel Grant award winners’ personal excerpts below.
Ghanapriya Devi Yengkhom: This was my first visit to Europe, and I made the most of my free time exploring the beautiful city with my friends. The weather was pleasant, the people were warm, and the city had a charm that made every walk feel special. Watching the sunrise from Fisherman’s Bastion and taking a late-evening cruise along the Danube, past the illuminated Parliament building, felt straight out of a fairy tale. What struck me most was the local rhythm of the evenings- people unhurried, watching the sunset, going for walks, or simply sitting by the river in quiet reflection. It was a gentle reminder to slow down and appreciate the moment, a lesson I hope to carry back into my daily life as well. In hindsight, I feel EACR could not have timed the congress better- we experienced Budapest at its most pleasant, just before the heatwave set in, making the city all the more memorable to explore.
Anna Pirttikoski: Yes, luckily I had some time to explore the beautiful city of Budapest. I especially enjoyed visiting Gellért Hill and Fisherman’s Bastion, both of which offered wonderful views over the city centre. I also walked across several of the main central bridges, and the Hungarian Parliament Building looked particularly magnificent from the bridge at night. I was also able to visit the Széchenyi Thermal Bath, which was a unique experience and something very characteristic of Budapest. Overall, the combination of excellent cancer research and exploring such a beautiful city made this trip one of the highlights of my summer.
Akhil Shukla: Apart from the congress, visiting Budapest was an extraordinary experience. I attended a performance of Fitos Dezső Társulat: Tántorgók at the Hagyományok Háza Theatre, a Hungarian folk theatre experience that immersing myself in the Hungarian culture. The choreography, music, and raw energy of the ensemble were captivating, and they provided me with a genuine window into Hungarian cultural traditions. Beyond the theatre, Budapest’s rich historical districts, Danube promenade, Hospital in the bunker, the Buda Castle district, Jewish museums and neighbourhood offered a great insight in the city’s past.
