Cancer Research Takes Center Stage at OncoCENL’s February Event
On Saturday, February 8, the CENL community gathered to discuss one of the most pressing challenges in modern science: the fight against cancer. As researchers shared their work and experiences in advancing cancer treatments, the event became packed with knowledge, inspiration, and collaboration.
A Journey Through Research
Our CENL members, Andrea y Davinia, started the session by introducing CENL’s work and encouraging members to organize future activities.
Then, the first speaker, Mark de Gooijer, postdoctoral researcher at Netherlands Cancer Institute (NKI), explained to us the exciting world of brain cancer research.
He explained how cancer cells are most vulnerable during mitosis and the challenges of getting drugs past the blood-brain barrier and past the approval of financing agencies for a successful endeavor in the industry. This talk really showed science and industry interacting together!
After Mark, Elisa Espinet, principal investigator in the Pancreatic Cancer Laboratory of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Barcelona (UB) and the Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), delved into pancreatic cancer, one of the deadliest types of cancer (like brain cancer), highlighting different tumor types and survival strategies.
Then, to close this first round of talks, Ana Ruiz Saenz, Ana Ruiz Sáenz Ikerbasque at CIC bioGUNE, spoke about ASEICA support for researchers, especially by creating a community of researchers involved in cancer research with several funding opportunities, some centered on funding female scientists working internationally.
Science in Quick Bursts
The event continued with a series of flash talks by PhD students Sofía, Carla, and Dasha on autoimmunity in cancer, pediatric cancer as a leading cause of infant mortality, and mitotic enrichment for glioblastoma treatment.
Then, after a well-deserved networking break with coffee, tea, and chocolate, more PhD flash talks followed: María Cristina and Jesús discussed NK cell mapping and proton therapy for cancer treatment, presenting fresh insights in short, engaging discussions.
From Labs to supporting agencies for Scientists
In a third round of talks, Valentina Cordo shared her transition from hands-on lab work to supporting medicine developers at the European Medicines Agency, bridging science and policy, andJesús Sánchez introduced CRIS contra el Cancer, a foundation mobilizing society to fund critical cancer research and career programs in Spain. Last, Emma Martínez Sánchez wrapped up with Oncode Accelerator, a project aimed at fast-tracking cancer therapies.
Celebrating Achievements & Looking Ahead
The event concluded with the flash talk awards for Maria Cristina and Jesús, followed by Rodrigo’s constantly engaging and enthusiastic “Umbrella speech” on CENL’s mission and future activities.
Beyond learning, the event fostered connections, creating a space for researchers to collaborate in the ongoing fight against cancer. If you missed it, keep an eye out for upcoming CENL events!
Participants in numbers
Can you help us grow? Become a member and participate. Spread the word on the networks. Contact us and tell us about yourself and your project.
Alejandro Martín Gónzalez
Docente Quimica Analitica UvA
phD in Biophysics with experience studying chromosome repair and maintenance systems in bacteria and humans and increasingly involved in improving the university education system. Outside of research, I love to ride my bike and go to remote places to get to know the different facets of the Netherlands.
