Last year we awarded 13 EACR Researcher Development Grants to help EACR members based in countries with a low- or middle-income economy who need financial assistance to attend a workshop, course or conference that will support their career development and research advancement. These grants could be used to attend EACR conferences as well as courses, workshops and conferences offered by other organisations, which all took place in 2024.

Read on to learn about the experiences of these 13 recipients at the events they attended.


1Akbar Shoukat

Research Associate at the Aga Khan University, Pakistan

Event attended: 15th Swiss Epidemiology Winter School 2024 (Competing Risks and Multi-State Models), 18-20 January 2024, Switzerland
Event hosted by: Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine ISPM, University of Bern, Switzerland
Research: I am a biostatistician and epidemiologist working at the intersection of critical care and pulmonary medicine, particularly, interstitial lung diseases, cancers, and pulmonary infections. My focus is on analysing medical data to understand how different sociodemographics, risk factors, and treatments impact patient outcomes. By crunching numbers and studying trends, I aim to uncover insights that can guide doctors in making better decisions for their patients. Whether it is figuring out which treatments work best or identifying risk factors, my goal is to use data to improve healthcare.

Were there any networking highlights you want to tell us about?

The workshop provided an excellent platform for networking and socialising with fellow researchers. I had the opportunity to connect with course faculties, several PhD candidates, and postdoctoral researchers who share similar interests and aspirations. Their guidance and insights on navigating the application process for a PhD, particularly in cancer epidemiology, were invaluable. These connections have not only provided me with valuable advice but also inspired and motivated me to pursue my academic goals more confidently. I am truly grateful for the supportive community I found at the workshop.

Did you take part in any interesting local activities in your free time outside of the event?

I had the wonderful opportunity to immerse myself in the local culture and surroundings by participating in the Wengen village walk with a tourist guide (part of the course). This experience involved fascinating insights into the history, traditions, and lifestyle of the area. Exploring the charming streets and scenic views of Wengen allowed me to appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of the Swiss countryside. It was a refreshing break from the academic setting of the workshop and added a memorable dimension to my overall experience in Switzerland. I describe Wengen as “W2” (Wonderful Wengen).

How has the event inspired you in your research?

Participating in the event has been an incredibly enriching experience, particularly in terms of the inspiration it has provided for my own research pursuits in our department. One of the most striking aspects was witnessing the enthusiasm and dedication exhibited by my peers towards their respective PhD and postdoctoral research endeavors. Their commitment to advancing knowledge and addressing real-world challenges has inspired me to approach my own work with renewed passion and determination.

Have you brought back any specific knowledge that has benefited your research?

Although I have been familiarising myself with the STATA program through self-learning via YouTube videos, this course significantly enhanced my proficiency and put me a step ahead in utilising STATA for advanced statistical analysis. The course not only improved my technical skills but also introduced me to advanced functionalities and methodologies within STATA. I learned how to tackle complex analytical tasks, manipulate data efficiently, and interpret results accurately.

Is there anything else you’d like to mention?

How often do you find yourself acquiring a skill abroad, only to return home and promptly have the chance to utilise that skill? Well, that’s exactly what occurred in my case. Some of the skills I acquired there have allowed me to immediately apply advanced statistical techniques to analyse similar data sets in our ongoing projects.

Swipe left or click ‘Next’ at the top to see the next report

2Hedda Michelle Guevara-Nieto

PhD Student, Instituto Nacional de Cancerologia, Colombia

Event attended: How to Bring Basic Science Discoveries to the Clinic, 27 – 29 February 2024, Dublin, Ireland
Event hosted by: European Association for Cancer Research, American Association for Cancer Research, and Irish Association for Cancer Research
Research: Breast cancer shows diversity in classification and treatment response, with chemotherapy sometimes leading to the selection of resistant cancer cells. Identifying predictive markers for more effective therapy is crucial. My goal is to pinpoint potential biomarkers of chemotherapy resistance by analysing gene expression profiles from breast cancer tissue biopsies before and after treatment. Developing such markers is essential to avoid unnecessary treatment, reduce the impact on quality of life, and lessen the economic burden. This approach is particularly beneficial for Hispanic populations, known for their genetic diversity, including European, Native American, and African ancestry.

What was a personal highlight of the event for you?

The event was hosted by three of the most prominent cancer associations globally. As a basic scientist, I had the opportunity to witness some of the most cutting-edge approaches, enhanced by amazing technology, that bridge the gap between bench work and its translation to patients. Additionally, receiving recognition for my work at my institution through this grant is a significant highlight, validating my efforts and providing me with resources to further my research and career goals.

Were there any networking highlights you want to tell us about?

I had the privilege of meeting Prof. Dr. Tracy Robson, the EACR co-chair of this conference and IARC President. Her morning talk about her research journey in Cancer Drug Discovery, from the lab to clinical trials, was incredibly inspiring. During the conference dinner, I had the opportunity to speak one-to-one with Prof. Dr. Robson and was moved by her warm and encouraging words. She emphasised the importance of maintaining enthusiasm and joy in our careers and advised against letting impostor syndrome hinder our progress.

Did you take part in any interesting local activities in your free time outside of the event?

I took a tour to Wicklow Mountains National Park where I took in the wild beauty and lush landscapes of the Irish countryside. In Dublin, I discovered the finest example of Ireland’s most important medieval illuminated manuscript (Book of Kells) and walked through Europe’s largest vaulted library (The long room at Trinity College Dublin). Dublin is an amazing city with great restaurants, sightseeing places and gave me the chance to try a pint of Guinness.

How has the event inspired you in your research?

The conference was an assemblage of the crème de la crème in cancer research. My experience at the meeting will influence several areas of my research and career. For one, I am inspired to further explore the connections between clinical and basic research particularly in underrepresented groups (i.e., Latino population). I learned more about using public data for different omics, consortia, and pan-tumour studies on immunotherapy that are helping to better understand treatment response and primary resistance mechanisms.

How has the event supported your career development?

Attending the EAI conference offered a distinctive chance to network with international colleagues in all stages of their careers and strategise for my post-PhD endeavours. This grant afforded me access to resources and expertise that are considerably harder to come by in my home country (Colombia). These invaluable resources are guiding me along the path to a prosperous career in cancer research. I had networking meetings and talks with people during the conference, which I expect to result in future collaborations.

When you got home, is there anything that you immediately wanted to tell your colleagues about?

I told my colleagues what the EACR is all about and encouraged them to join this association, which is the one of the largest communities of cancer researchers in the world and apply for its numerous fellowships and award opportunities. Additionally, I brought my colleagues information about upcoming events, webinars, funding opportunities, and technology displayed by exhibitors and sponsors.

Swipe left or click ‘Next’ at the top to see the next report

3Sena Nur Özkan

PhD Candidate, Koç University, Turkey

Event attended: The Tumour Ecosystem EACR Conference, 19 – 21 March 2024, Bergamo, Italy
Event hosted by: European Association for Cancer Research
Research: For my research, I am creating 3D models of lung vasculature to better understand lung cancer. Imagine tiny, intricate replicas of lung tissues in bubble-like hydrogels where we can study how cancer grows and spreads. By recapitulating the human lung complexity, these models help us widen our horizon to diagnose and treat lung cancer more efficiently.

What was a personal highlight of the event for you?

A personal highlight of the event for me was the opportunity to meet and engage in conversation with a leading figure in the field, Prof. Douglas Hanahan. It was such a thrill to connect with someone whose work I’ve admired for so long. Getting their insights and hearing their stories was incredibly inspiring and gave me a fresh burst of enthusiasm for my own work. Plus, the chance to network with someone so influential was a fantastic opportunity that I’ll remember for a long time to come.

Did you take part in any interesting local activities in your free time outside of the event?

Exploring Bergamo for the first time was incredible! The city’s rich culture and cuisine was fantastic. I wandered through the enchanting Città Alta, admiring its medieval charm. And I have enjoyed all the delicious Italian dishes. I even had the chance to check out a vibrant Yayoi Kusama exhibit, adding a colorful twist to my visit. Bergamo’s blend of history, art, and gastronomy left a lasting impression on me!

How has the event inspired you in your research?

The event was super inspiring for me! Besides meeting awesome people and attending interesting lectures, the Q&A sessions were a highlight. I picked up some cool new concepts and strategies for thinking about and answering questions. It’s definitely given me a fresh perspective and some great ideas to take back to my research!

Have you brought back any specific knowledge that has benefited your research?

Absolutely! Attending the event provided me with valuable insights on metastatic re-awakening concepts, which have directly benefited my research. Learning about these concepts has opened up new avenues for exploration in my studies on dormancy and metastasis. By incorporating these insights into my work, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying cancer progression and potential strategies for intervention.

Swipe left or click ‘Next’ at the top to see the next report

4Taras Zadvornyi

Anastasiia Shevchuk (student at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv), Oleksandr Mushii (PhD student), and Taras Zadvornyi (Researcher).

PhD Researcher, Laboratory of Mechanisms of Drug Resistance, R.E. Kavetsky Institute of Experimental Pathology, Oncology and Radiobiology, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine

Event attended: Digital Pathology Certificate, online course, 03 – 24 March 2024
Event hosted by: The National Society for Histotechnology of USA and the Digital Pathology Association of USA
Research: Our current research is focused on studying the reactive microenvironment of prostate cancer. In this study, we aim to identify characteristic features (such as predominance of specific cell types, changes in tissue structure, or factors produced by cancer cells) that indicate tumour progression.

What was a personal highlight of the course for you?

The entire course is undeniably very interesting. In my opinion, the excellent lectures by Professor Anil Parwani make it easy to immerse oneself in the world of Digital Pathology, acquainting us with its history and potential applications in both research and clinical practice. It’s also worth noting the module dedicated to Image Analysis. Not only is it logically presented and well-illustrated, but it also focuses on deepening practical knowledge. Furthermore, this module is accompanied by exceptionally useful supplementary material, which is particularly important for applying practical skills.

Is there anything from the course that you immediately wanted to tell your colleagues about?

My introduction to serial block-face imaging (SBEM) was a true revelation. I must admit that prior to these lectures, I had never heard of such a method. Perhaps this is because my primary specialisation is in Immunology, and the use of SBEM in this field is currently limited. However, in cancer research, the application of SBEM can yield incredibly intriguing results, especially in the context of studying tumor microenvironment and processes of invasion and metastasis. Indeed, SBEM became a topic of discussion in our laboratory. It was noteworthy that just a few days after that, I had received a paper for review, in which the authors had utilised this method in their research.

Is there anything else you’d like to mention?

This course challenges the notion of histology as a somewhat methodologically outdated field that stands apart from modern technologies. On the contrary, Digital Pathology serves as a superb example, showcasing the development and integration of classical research methods with contemporary technologies. It is highly desirable for this course to encompass the latest data on the principles and potential applications of tissue cytometry, although this technology is still underutilized and costly.

Swipe left or click ‘Next’ at the top to see the next report

5Zeynep Erten Yucel

Research Assistant Doctor, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Turkey

Event attended: How to Bring Basic Science Discoveries to the Clinic, 27 – 29 February 2024, Dublin, Ireland
Event hosted by: European Association for Cancer Research, American Association for Cancer Research, and Irish Association for Cancer Research
Research: I am investigating the factors and associated signalling pathways that may be responsible for the development of breast cancer using human breast cancer tissue and breast cancer cell lines.

How has the event inspired you in your research?

It was the first time I had ever attended an international conference and I am glad that I had the chance to do so. During the conference, I had the opportunity to listen to the work of many respected researchers who work in the field of immunotherapy in cancer. I was quite interested in the presented topics. This event sparked a will in me to work in this field in my further career.

When you got home, is there anything from the event that you immediately wanted to tell your colleagues about?

When I came back, my colleagues and I discussed the topics presented at the conference. But particularly the lecture titled ‘Lessons on Carcinogenesis from the Normal Esophagus’ was really intriguing to me as I will be focusing on Notch signaling pathway for my thesis. When I returned, I shared it with my colleagues and my supervisor immediately.

How has the event supported your career development?

Thanks to the EACR, I participated in an international conference for the first time and this event gave me a completely new point of view. The studies mentioned in the conference were relatively little known to me. But it pushed me to learn more about these topics. Especially it motivated me to work in the field of immunotherapy in cancer.

Did you take part in any interesting local activities in your free time outside of the event?

In the free time I had outside the conference, I spent a lot of time walking around Dublin and exploring. People were incredibly nice. I really had a great time in Dublin, I visited museums, I did a tour of the Guinness Storehouse and that’s what I remember the most.

Swipe left or click ‘Next’ at the top to see the next report

6Lamia Sabry Aboelnasr

Pathology Trainee and an Assistant Lecturer of Pathology at Menoufia University, Egypt, and a PhD student at Imperial College London, UK

Event attended: USCAP 113th Annual Meeting: Bringing Education to Life, 23 – 28 March 2024, Baltimore, US
Event hosted by: United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology
Research: My research looks at using new technology called digital pathology to check a biomarker called PD-L1 in lung cancer. This biomarker helps decide the best treatment. We found that digital pathology matches up well with the traditional method used by pathologists, light microscopy. This means digital pathology could be a good, reliable option for checking PD-L1. It could make treatment decisions easier and more accurate for lung cancer patients, especially for those thinking about immunotherapy.

What was a personal highlight of the event for you?

Attending the USCAP Annual Meeting was an unforgettable experience. It is my second time to attend it in my career as a histopathologist and researcher. This opportunity to present my research on cancer pathology to a diverse audience was definitely a highlight. The feedback that I got from experts in cancer research has really helped me a lot to refine the plan of my future research.

Were there any networking highlights you want to tell us about?

Certainly! One notable social and networking highlight was the opportunity to finally meet one of my favourite speakers and a renowned expert in the field of digital pathology. Fortunately, I was able to have a conversation with him, introducing myself, and discussing my research interests. We explored potential collaborations for future research work, and to my delight, he extended a generous offer for me to join his team through a virtual observership.

Did you take part in any interesting local activities in your free time outside of the event?

In my free time, I was excited to explore the local culture of Baltimore with my children. We checked out nearby attractions and tasted local food. Visiting the science and discovery museums, along with the national aquarium, was especially fun and educational, making our trip even more unforgettable.

How has the event inspired you in your research?

Interacting with top experts and attending informative sessions really opened my eyes and boosted my enthusiasm. As someone interested in both clinical practice and research, it fueled my passion. I came back home feeling more motivated and full of new ideas. I also connected with many colleagues from around the world, including some from low-income countries like mine. We talked about our shared challenges and shared success stories, which left me feeling inspired and confident that I can achieve a lot. Upon returning home, I couldn’t wait to share the insightful discussions I had, and the potential collaborations with my colleagues.

Swipe left or click ‘Next’ at the top to see the next report

7Buddhi Prakash Jain

Event attended: How to Bring Basic Science Discoveries to the Clinic, 27 – 29 February 2024, Dublin, Ireland
Event hosted by: European Association for Cancer Research, American Association for Cancer Research, and Irish Association for Cancer Research

What was a personal highlight of the event for you?

It was great opportunity to attend such a nice conference in the field of cancer, presentation of my work, and having the networking opportunities for the future research work. All the talks and presentations were very informative and useful for my research work, future collaborations and acceleration in the field of cancer biology.

Were there any networking highlights you want to tell us about?

The three days provided me with a platform for discussion of my work with renowned scientist working in the field of cancer biology. I got an opportunity to discuss my work with Prof Khoo Ui Soon, Clinical Professor at the University of Hongkong regarding the endoplasmic reticulum and oxidative stress work in breast cancer. I came to know about the clinical details of the breast cancer tissue samples by this interaction.

I also interacted with Prof Hilmar Warenius, CEO of Syntherix and got some tips for research in cancer biology.In the poster presentation session, I discussed with Dr Despina Bazou about future collaborative research in the field of proteomics using plasma from cancer patients. I also networked with the ProteinTech exhibitors for support in research.

Swipe left or click ‘Next’ at the top to see the next report

8Ariwan Saeed

Senior Radiation Oncology Resident at the Zhianawa Cancer Center, Iraq

Event attended: AACR Annual Congress, 05-10 April 2024, California, US
Event hosted by: American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)
Research: Childhood cancer rates are a growing concern in the Middle East. Right now, I’m leading a study to understand the patterns of childhood cancer in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, with the goal of expanding it across Iraq. We’re analysing ten years of cancer registry data to identify the most common cancer types and potential risk factors. Ultimately, this research can help develop better prevention and early detection strategies to improve the lives of children with cancer.

What was a personal highlight of the event for you?

The AACR Annual Meeting 2024 was incredibly transformative due to its vast spectrum of topics, showcasing the latest advances across different cancer research fields. Witnessing firsthand the cutting-edge research in different cancer research areas. This experience has solidified my belief that we’re getting closer to a world with less cancer and left me determined to make a meaningful contribution.

How has the event inspired you in your research?

The AACR Annual Meeting inspired me in several profound ways:

  • Open-mindedness: The diverse array of research approaches presented encouraged me to think outside the box.
  • Evidence-based methodology: The focus on rigorous methodology and data-driven insights reinforced the importance of grounding research in solid evidence. It highlighted the need to critically evaluate findings and constantly seek gaps in knowledge where future research can make a difference.
  • Inspiration from leaders: Witnessing presentations by leaders in cancer research was motivating. Their passion, dedication, and groundbreaking discoveries ignited a fire in me. These experiences reinforced my commitment to pursuing a career in this field and striving to make my own contributions to the fight against cancer.

How has the event supported your career development?

The AACR Annual Meeting significantly supported my career development by enhancing my ability to approach research ideation and develop compelling research ideas:

  • Identifying knowledge gaps: Exposure to the latest research across various fields highlighted critical areas where further investigation is needed.
  • Learning new methodologies: The presentations and workshops on cutting-edge methodologies expanded my toolkit for tackling complex research questions. I gained insights into novel techniques and approaches that can be applied to my own work.
  • Networking and mentorship opportunities: Connecting with established researchers and potential collaborators fostered invaluable discussions.

When you got home, is there anything from the event that you immediately wanted to tell your colleagues about?

Yes, the most important point was that I’ve been reflecting on how we can address the challenges of limited research culture and teamwork in our area. Inspired by my travels and recent AACR annual meeting, I discussed strategies for enhancing motivation, fostering research practices, and building collaborative work habits.

Have you brought back any specific knowledge that has benefited your research?

I gained valuable insights during the congress, specifically in the areas of research ideation, personal branding, networking, gap analysis, and research topic prioritisation.

Swipe left or click ‘Next’ at the top to see the next report

9Banu Iskender Izgi

Principal Investigator, Kocaeli University Faculty of Medicine, Turkey

Event attended: The Tumour Ecosystem EACR Conference, 19 – 21 March 2024, Bergamo, Italy
Event hosted by: European Association for Cancer Research
Research: By developing a technique to restore cancer cells to their previous healthy state, we have the potential to revolutionise cancer treatment. Our current research aims to investigate whether this technique can alter the behaviour of cancer cells.

What was a personal highlight of the event for you?

The event I attended was a life-changing experience, as it allowed me to interact with some of the most brilliant minds in cancer research from various backgrounds. This event played a pivotal role in enhancing my professional development, and I became more aware of the progress and challenges of cancer research. Although cancer remains a challenging disease to combat, what I saw during the sessions was that we, as scientists, have the potential to defeat cancer with our knowledge, skills, and cooperation. This experience has strengthened my belief that it is possible to overcome cancer, and I am more motivated than ever to contribute to this noble cause.

How has the event supported your career development?

Attending scientific conferences is an essential part of career development for researchers. The EACR Researcher Development Grant made it possible for me to attend ‘The Tumour Ecosystem: Cellular Interactions and Therapeutic Opportunities’ meeting, which turned out to be an incredible experience. Not only did I get to present and discuss my research with scientists from different countries, but I also had the chance to visit the posters of other researchers, ask questions, and learn about laboratory techniques that I had never heard or used before. This conference was an opportunity to broaden my horizons and expand my knowledge in the field of cancer research. If you’re a researcher looking for ways to enhance your expertise and build your network, attending EACR conferences should be on your agenda.

Were there any networking highlights you want to tell us about?

Attending the EACR conference was an invaluable opportunity that provided me with connections to a diverse network of researchers. The experience allowed me to identify specific individuals with whom I can collaborate in the future, which will undoubtedly lead to discoveries in cancer research. Through the EACR Researcher Development Grant, I gained an international perspective on my work, which expanded my knowledge and skills. Overall, the conference served as a powerful source of inspiration for new projects and future collaborations, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have participated.

When you got home, is there anything from the event that you immediately wanted to tell your colleagues about?

I inspired my students with the message that we are on the right track in cancer research. I motivated them to collaborate with the right people more often by attending events such as the EACR meetings. I firmly believe that this will instill a renewed sense of hope in their work, particularly during times when they feel scientifically blocked.

Swipe left or click ‘Next’ at the top to see the next report

10Fatemeh Madani

PhD Student, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran

Event attended: International Conference On Nanomedicine And Nanobiotechnology, 15 – 17 January 2024, Barcelona, Spain
Event hosted by: Prem C
Research: My research area is based on novel drug delivery systems for the treatment of brain tumours. Glioblastoma multiforme is the most aggressive type of brain tumour and most of the common chemotherapeutics are not able to reach this type of tumour. Nanostructures are potent carriers to deliver drugs to specific tissues or organs. We employ different types of nanoparticles and load chemotherapeutic agents in them. Then targeted delivery of two or more drugs to glioblastoma tumours, results in cancer cell death.

What was a personal highlight of the event for you?

Attending the International Conference On Nanomedicine And Nanobiotechnology was one of the most special experiences that I’ve ever had. Giving a speech in front of researchers from well-known labs and faculties was a great opportunity that I had and led to boosting my presentation skills. Moreover, I had a chance to extremely broaden my scientific communications. This grant induced me to not only take part in a prestigious conference but also visit beautiful Spain. All in all, I can say that this trip, even if it was short, enriched my overall personal experiences.

Were there any networking highlights you want to tell us about?

Social activities and networking are some of the main reasons for attending conferences. I had the chance to meet experts and young researchers from different countries, various labs, and many fields of research in nanomedicine and nanobiotechnology. Furthermore, I met professors and we conversed about potential common research proposals for the future. Moreover, their questions and comments on my research area assisted me in improving my research and deepened my vision about it. I also met professors whom I followed their articles from years ago and it was a very nice experience that I could send my regards to them, in person.

Did you take part in any interesting local activities in your free time outside of the event?

I joined after work programmes of the conference and had the chance to meet students this time in a non-academic space. We had lots of laugh and happiness sharing our experiences. Every day after the conference I walked to my hotel to visit the city on my way and enjoy the pleasant weather of Barcelona. During the last day of my trip, I visited historical and tourist places including La Sagrada Familia, the Cathedral, Parc Guell, and Casa Mila, which was such a unique and memorable experience. I am a big fan of arts and culture and tried to have traditional foods and sweets there and visited the Picasso Museum which was kind of my childhood wish.

How has the event inspired you in your research?

There were numerous speeches from experts and researchers working on polymeric nanoplatforms for drug delivery and brain tumour treatment that were aligned with my research field. I attended their speech and it provided the opportunity to become familiar with their specific line of research, and the facilities and experiments in their lab. New ideas crossed my mind and I also learned how to upgrade and deepen my project in the future. In conclusion, this travel grant provided an invaluable opportunity and I would like to send my gratitude to the EACR team for their support.

Is there anything else you’d like to mention?

As an EACR member, I highly recommend becoming one. You will gain many precious experiences and can expand your scientific network easily. During these two years of being a member, besides receiving this travel grant, I had the pleasure of attending external workshops that I discovered through the EACR’s newsletters and I have also attended many free EACR webinars.

Swipe left or click ‘Next’ at the top to see the next report

11Anurag Kumar Singh

Integrated PhD Student, National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore, India

Event attended: Cancer Genomics, Multiomics and Computational Biology EACR Conference, 30 April – 02 May 2024, Bergamo, Italy
Event hosted by: European Association for Cancer Research
Research: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary driver of the majority of cervical cancers. The HPV genome encodes for 8 major genes; except E6/E7, most genes are comparatively under-studied. E6/E7 genes are known to promote carcinogenesis, and most information about their cellular roles comes from studies in cell lines. Moreover, in cell lines, we can not study the crosstalk between HPV genes and immune cells, an important determinant of cancer progression. Hence, we tried to understand the role of different HPV genes on the host cellular processes and immune cell infiltration using a large cervical cancer dataset.

What was a personal highlight of the event for you?

The “Meet the Scientific Programme Committee” discussion was enlightening. It is a great concept that allows us to get to know the thought process behind the meeting, and I hope it continues to be part of EACR conferences and possibly others. I especially enjoyed the discussion regarding the neglected areas in cancer research. Cancer as a systemic disease was one of the topics discussed, and I feel this is a crucial area with immense research potential.

Were there any networking highlights you want to tell us about?

The networking quiz definitely was the highlight. At first, we thought it would be a typical quiz with scientific or general questions, but it was way more interesting. The first question, who had travelled the farthest to attend the conference, led to a fun discussion in our group. I met many attendees through this quiz, and it was nice to interact with them during the conference.

How has the event inspired you in your research?

The talk by Nuria Lopez-Bigas on “Clonal selection in normal tissues and its relation to
cancer risk” was incredible. There was much to learn from her talk regarding the progress in the field and the historical contexts. The current cancer genome datasets, which are usually from evolved and developed tumours, have provided crucial information about cancer evolution and its drivers. However, questions like what drives normal cells to take the cancerous path are still under-studied. It was fascinating to know about the modus operandi of some carcinogens, which by altering the selection pressure, can lead to the clonal selection of normal cells with specific mutations, thus driving carcinogenesis.

When you got home, is there anything from the event that you immediately wanted to tell your colleagues about?

The comprehensive list of speakers at the conference provided me with a lot of information about the advances in cancer research, which I was quite eager to share with my lab mates. After returning, we had an excellent discussion in the lab about the learnings from the conference and the emerging questions that would be exciting to follow in the future.

Swipe left or click ‘Next’ at the top to see the next report

12Alican Kuşoğlu

PhD Student, Koç University, Istanbul

Event attended: The Tumour Ecosystem EACR Conference, 19 – 21 March 2024, Bergamo, Italy
Event hosted by: European Association for Cancer Research
Research: My research focuses on investigating the changes in tumour microenvironment, more specifically alterations in composition of tumours. We are developing 3D tumour models that accurately replicates the mechanical and biochemical characteristics of in vivo lung tumours. With this model, I’m working on to dissect different parameters of aberrant changes of tumor microenvironment and its sole effect on cells.

What was a personal highlight of the event for you?

One of the highlights during the event for sure was listening to the latest research of Dr. Hanahan whom I first heard his name during my bachelor’s degree in a tumour biology class. Apart from his inspiring talk, it was quite exciting to see him asking questions to other presenters and sharing ideas. In addition, it was quite exciting that a protein called IL-1β seemed to have a crucial role in tumour microenvironment according to almost every speaker.

Did you take part in any interesting local activities in your free time outside of the event?

On the last night of the event, we went to see the exhibition of Yayoi Kusama in Citta Alta, at Palazzo della Ragione. I’m a big fan of Kusama and her works, so it was a spectacular experience for me to see her work, ‘Infinity Mirror Room’. Even though one can only stay for just 1 minute in this dark room with mirrors and small lights, it was very calming. Second night of the conference, we went to a restaurant called La Scagna where we had the best pappardelle al ragù di cervo and tiramisu that night. I can’t wait to go back.

How has the event inspired you in your research?

This conference made me think more generally and objectively about my research instead of only focusing on small details. I’m working on lung tumour biology, and we know it’s a systemic disease, but sometimes we only focus on one protein and its effects on one cell type, forgetting tumours contain multiple cell types and a complex extracellular matrix. The conference also made me realise single cell RNAseq is very hot right now. Almost all studies somehow performed scRNAseq which produces immense data to handle. Thus, I’m planning to learn more about this technique and more importantly how to analyse the data, and hopefully include in my thesis studies.

How has the event supported your career development?

During the poster discussions, I’ve met several researchers who are interested in my research and asked enlightening questions. We shared so many ideas both for my research and theirs. In addition, since I’m a 4th year PhD student working on my thesis, I’ve had the chance to meet post-doctoral researchers and they gave me valuable insights on academia and their working environment. I’ve also met a researcher who came to my poster and is working in a start-up company which is integrated in a university. Since I also consider a career in industry but also want to stay close to academia, it was great to listen her insights.

Swipe left or click ‘Next’ at the top to see the next report

13Didem Seven

Postdoctoral Researcher, Yeditepe University School of Medicine, Istanbul

Event attended: The Tumour Ecosystem EACR Conference, 19 – 21 March 2024, Bergamo, Italy
Event hosted by: European Association for Cancer Research
Research: My research field is about understanding the pathogenesis of solid tumors and to find therapeutical alternatives. My current research is about “Investigation of new therapeutic targets in the treatment of cisplatin-resistant head and neck cancer”. This research thrust aims to identify novel avenues for therapeutic intervention in cases of head and neck cancer. Targetting the right molecule is essential to find the effective treatment to cancer patients, that is why identifying new biomarkers is important.

What was a personal highlight of the event for you?

The youthfulness of the speakers and contributors was notable. The enthusiasm exhibited by the older speakers reignited my belief in science. Having chance to talk with Professor Hanahan, the one who we started to learn cancer, was amazing!

The ‘Meet the Expert’ session was a very intimate part of the conference. I believe it is highly beneficial for all researchers to gain insights from those who have advanced further in their field.

Did you take part in any interesting local activities in your free time outside of the event?

When I first arrived in Bergamo, I attended a walking city tour in Bergamo and met with the group of Neta Erez. Bergamo is a lovely city.

How has the event inspired you in your research?

The ‘Meet the Expert’ session was a very intimate part of the conference. I believe it was highly beneficial for all researchers to gain insights from those who have advanced further in their field.

Thanks again to EACR and all the organisers for giving me the opportunity to attend this conference and nice environment!


EACR Conferences

At the EACR we are dedicated to providing excellent cancer research conferences where the latest research topics and interaction for participants are the very highest priorities. Make sure you add the dates of the upcoming EACR Conferences to your diary now. Don’t forget we offer member discounts on all of our registration fees!