The International PhD Student Cancer Conference

Keynote speakers

Throughout the three day conference, we were fortunate to meet and hear presentations from some of the world’s leading scientists in cancer research. Their cutting-edge research and thought leadership were truly inspiring.

Notable keynote speakers included:

• Sir Stephen Jackson (CRUK Cambridge Centre): DNA Repair: Translating Mechanistic Insights Towards New Cancer Medicines.
• Gabriele Bergers (VIB-Center For Cancer Biology, Belgium): The Vascular Immune Axis in Cancer.
• Dr. Klaus Rajewsky (Max Delbrück Center): Studying Immune Regulation and Cancer over the Times.
• Florian Markowetz (CRUK Cambridge Centre): All Models are Wrong and Yours are Useless.

Student presentations

The conference also featured an impressive array of student presentations, including several from PhD candidates at the CRUK MI.

The student presentations were a highlight of the conference, showcasing the next generation of scientific leaders and the importance of supporting young researchers. It was motivating to see the passion and dedication of my fellow PhD students. Their work spanned a wide range of topics, reflecting the diversity and depth of research being conducted, and sparked lively discussions follow up Q&A sessions.

Workshops

The conference featured four dynamic workshops, each led by experts in their respective fields, including

• Tips for Writing Titles and Abstracts led by Bronwen Dekker, PhD, Senior Editor at Nature Protocols.
• Your Path on the Career Ladder: Empowerment through Networking and Development led by Dr Jean-Yves Tano, Scientific Coordinator People & Culture at the Max Delbruck Center.
• The “Inner Laboratory” – Scientific Communication and Scientific Thinking led by Russ Hodge, Science Writer and Communications Trainer at the Max Delbrück Center.
• Democratising Science: Perspectives from the African Context led by Dr Peran Hayes, Scientist at the Systems Biology Imaging Platform, MDC-BIMSB.

I had the opportunity to participate in the ‘Inner Laboratory’ Scientific Communication and Scientific Thinking workshop led by Russ Hodge. Russ is a scientific writer at the MDC and the author of multiple books.

At this workshop, the focus was on the effective communication of science. Emphasizing the importance of delving into our “Inner Laboratory,” the workshop encouraged participants to reflect deeply on the core objectives of effective science communication. This introspective approach was designed to help us better understand our motivations and the impact we aim to achieve through our work.

Every scientist has developed their own unique framework based on everything they have heard, read, or discovered. However, each scientist’s “Inner Laboratory” is unique and organised differently. Therefore, Russ emphasised that by learning to reveal the architecture of our Inner Laboratories, we can accelerate our learning and discover new methods for teaching crucial skills to those whose careers rely on effective communication and critical thinking.

The session was not only insightful but also highly interactive. We engaged in dynamic discussions that highlighted the nuances of conveying scientific concepts to diverse audiences. This interactive format fostered a collaborative environment where ideas flowed freely, and everyone had the chance to contribute and learn.

This workshop highlighted the vital role that thoughtful, goal-oriented communication plays in advancing scientific understanding and fostering public engagement.

Poster session

At the conference, we had the wonderful opportunity to present a poster of our research. This experience allowed us to communicate our scientific work with a diverse audience and engage in meaningful exchanges with fellow researchers.

Presenting our posters provided a platform to showcase the progress and findings of our research, sparking interest and discussions among attendees. Engaging with other scientists, we received valuable feedback, insightful questions, and constructive suggestions that could help to further refine our work.

Moreover, the poster session was a fantastic opportunity to explore the research being conducted by others. Walking through the exhibit hall, we were exposed to a wide array of innovative projects and cutting-edge studies. This not only broadened our understanding of various scientific fields but also inspired new ideas and potential collaborations.

Interacting with other PhD students in this informal setting fostered a sense of community and collaboration. We exchanged contact information, discussed potential partnerships, and even brainstormed future projects. The exchange of knowledge and ideas was truly invigorating, reinforcing the collaborative spirit that drives scientific advancement.

Overall, presenting our poster and participating in the poster sessions were among the most enriching aspects of the conference. It was a reminder of the importance of sharing our work, learning from others, and continuously engaging with the vibrant and dynamic scientific community.

Patient Advocate Talk – A Different View on Cancer

One of the most impactful parts of the conference was listening to the talks given by patient advocates. Each advocate brought a unique and powerful perspective that enriched our understanding of patient-centred care.

These sessions highlighted the crucial role that patient perspectives play in shaping research and treatment approaches. Hearing firsthand experiences and challenges faced by patients is essential for developing more effective, compassionate, and holistic healthcare solutions, reminding us that at the heart of every scientific endeavour is the goal to improve lives.

First, Klaus Kronewitz, the spokesperson for the patient advisory board at the Charité Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCCC), shared his journey and the vital role of patient advocacy in cancer treatment. His commitment to supporting other cancer patients highlighted the importance of integrating patient voices into medical research and decision-making. His talk focused on improving communication in healthcare and emphasised its critical importance.

Next, we heard from Dr Cindy Korner, a breast cancer survivor, cancer research scientist and spokesperson of the Patient Research Council NCT Heidelberg. She shared her unique perspective gained from spending the past years ‘on the other side’ of healthcare and how this experience has profoundly changed her view, fuelling her commitment to helping others and improving treatment options. Driven by this mission, she actively participates in the Patient Advisory Boards (Patientenbeirat and Patientenforschungsrat) at the NCT Heidelberg. Her dual role as both a cancer researcher and a cancer patient allow her to bridge gaps and enhance the patient experience in meaningful ways.

Finally, Hans W. Boetel, survivor of skin cancer and a member of the Self-Help Skin Cancer and the Skin Cancer Network Germany, shared his journey and emphasised that scientists and researchers are part of the patient journey. He also highlighted, the importance of personalised cancer medicine and the potential it has, to beat cancer.

“An individual life saved, one world saved” – Hans W. Boetel.

These talks were a powerful reminder of why our work as scientists and healthcare professionals is so important. Understanding and integrating patient experiences is essential for developing treatments that truly meet their needs and improve their quality of life.

Socialising as a PhD student

Attending the conference in Berlin provided a unique opportunity to socialise and connect with PhD students from various institutes across Europe.

Meeting fellow researchers from different countries was not only an enriching cultural experience but also fostered a sense of community and collaboration. Engaging with peers from diverse backgrounds allowed us to exchange ideas, share our research challenges and achievements, and build networks that could lead to future collaborations.

These interactions are crucial as they broaden our perspectives, inspire innovative thinking, and create a supportive environment where we can learn from each other and grow both personally and professionally.

18th IPSCC is coming to Manchester

Finally, in exciting news, the next IPSCC will be held in Manchester in June 2025. PhD students from the CRUK Manchester Institute are already busy planning and organising what promises to be another fantastic conference so watch this space!