Nazha Ghaleb (who goes by Nana) has been an EACR member for over two years, and an EACR Ambassador for much of that time. A molecular oncology graduate student at the University of Balamand, in Koura, Lebanon, Nana was introduced to EACR by her supervisor, Dr Zeina Dassouki – a connection that opened the door to virtual workshops, talks, and a wider scientific community she says has shaped her path as an early-career researcher. Now, as an Ambassador, she’s using her own platforms to help other young researchers discover the opportunities and community that the EACR membership offers.
We caught up with Nana to hear more about her experiences as an EACR Member and Ambassador.
Could you describe your current research in a way that’s accessible to a general audience?
My current research focuses on understanding how cancer cells respond to changes in their environment, particularly changes in acidity. Cancer cells often create and thrive in a more acidic environment around them, and this acidity can contribute to processes such as cancer progression and metastasis. My research looks at what happens when we reverse this environment and make it more alkaline, and whether changing the conditions surrounding cancer cells can affect their behavior.
This is a particularly meaningful area of research for me because cancer has always been a very personal subject. My mother is a cancer survivor, so cancer is something that has touched my family directly. That experience has made my interest in cancer research much more than just an academic one. I genuinely hope that the work I do can, in some small way, contribute to the larger fight against cancer.
What first drew you to the EACR, and what has membership given you access to over the past two years?
I first joined the EACR after being encouraged to do so by my supervisor, Dr. Zeina Dassouki, who has been one of the greatest inspirations and motivators in my life. I owe so much of who I am as a researcher and as a person to her, and her encouragement played a big role in introducing me to the EACR community.
My EACR membership has given me access to so many opportunities that I would not necessarily have discovered otherwise. It has allowed me to stay updated about EACR workshops, talks, congresses and other events, while also giving me opportunities to network with researchers from different backgrounds and countries.
I have also received offers and opportunities related to EACR events, and I have attended several virtual workshops and talks. For me, one of the biggest benefits has been feeling connected to a scientific community that extends far beyond my own institution.
Has there been a particular resource, opportunity, or connection through EACR that’s stood out as especially valuable?
I think the networking opportunities have been particularly valuable. As an early-career researcher, building connections can be just as important as gaining technical and scientific knowledge. The EACR has given me the opportunity to learn about researchers, institutions, projects and opportunities that I may not otherwise have encountered.
It has also helped me become more aware of the different paths available within cancer research. That has been especially important to me because I am currently looking for PhD opportunities in cancer biology, and I hope that the connections I build through the EACR may eventually help me find the right place to continue my research journey.
What motivated you to become an EACR Ambassador specifically?
Being an Ambassador has made me feel even more connected to the EACR community and has given me a sense that I can contribute to something larger than my own research.
I was particularly interested in becoming an Ambassador because I already have a relatively wide social-media platform, and I wanted to use it for something beyond my own content. I wanted to use my networks to introduce more people to the EACR, share information about its events and opportunities, and make sure that as many young researchers as possible know that these opportunities exist.
I think there are many students and early-career researchers who would benefit enormously from being part of an organisation like the EACR but simply don’t know where to start. If I can use my platform to make the EACR more visible and accessible to even a few more people, I would consider that meaningful.
Have you attended any EACR congresses, conferences, or events?
I have attended several virtual EACR workshops and talks, which I really enjoyed because they allowed me to learn directly from researchers working in different areas of cancer science.
I had also hoped to present my own research at the EACR Congress in June 2026. Unfortunately, because of the situation in the Middle East at the time, I was unable to be present. It was disappointing because I had been looking forward to sharing my work and meeting other researchers in person, but it also made me appreciate even more the importance of the opportunities the EACR provides to researchers from different parts of the world.
What would you like to do with your Ambassador role going forward?
Going forward, I would love to become even more involved in everything related to the EACR. I want to build stronger connections with fellow EACR Ambassadors and members and learn from their experiences. I also want to use my platform more actively to share EACR workshops, events, opportunities and resources with young researchers, particularly those who may not already be familiar with the organisation.
On a personal level, I am currently looking for a PhD in cancer biology, so I would also love for my involvement with the EACR to help me discover potential research opportunities and connections. I would be incredibly happy if my journey with the EACR eventually led me to the right PhD opportunity.
What would you say to another young researcher considering becoming an EACR member or Ambassador?
I would absolutely recommend it.
For me, EACR membership has been an honour and an important addition to my experience as a young researcher. It has given me access to knowledge, workshops, events, networking opportunities and connections that have helped me feel much more involved in the wider cancer research community.
I would especially encourage young researchers not to underestimate the importance of networking. Sometimes one connection, one conversation or one opportunity can open a door that you didn’t even know existed. If you are passionate about cancer research and want to grow beyond your own laboratory or institution, I genuinely think becoming part of the EACR is an opportunity worth taking.
Inspired by Nana’s story?
Join the EACR and you become part of Europe’s largest membership community for cancer researchers. Membership expands your professional network, connecting you with new contacts, free resources, funding opportunities and more. Click here to find out more.
