Translational Program in Cancer Research II Workshop: A hub for research and collaboration

The second CARE Workshop, held on 9-10 October, brought together more than 70 researchers from across the cancer research community at the Can Ruti Biomedical Campus for two days of scientific exchange. Hosted by the Translational Program in Cancer Research (CARE), the event served as a platform for sharing the current cancer research being developed on the Campus and fostering stronger connections among researchers.

Just over two years ago, the Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP) launched an initiative that serves as a nexus for several research groups in the field of cancer: the Translational Program in Cancer Research (CARE). In addition to being an integral part of IGTP's scientific structure, this cross-cutting program includes the participation of researchers from other institutions on the Can Ruti Biomedical Campus: Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital, Institut Català d'Oncologia (ICO), Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, IrsiCaixa, and Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona.

Last week, cancer researchers from the Can Ruti Biomedical Campus gathered at the II CARE Workshop, a two-day event to showcase their latest studies, to foster collaborations and to get the research and clinical community involved for the CARE program strategic plan design.

The first day kicked off with a Flash Talks Presentation at IGTP, where participants showcased their latest research findings. These flash talks offered a dynamic opportunity for young researchers to share key insights, sparking lively discussion among the audience.

On the second day, attendees were welcomed to the Badalona Centre Internacional de Negocis (BCIN) with a Lunch & Poster Presentation session, allowing for informal exchanges over lunch. This was followed by an update on the CARE Program by its co-director Dr Mireia Margelí, followed by a highpoint summary on recent progress across its three main nodes: Tumor Heterogeneity & Liquid Biopsy, Pre-clinical Models, and Immunology & Immunotherapy. At the Feedback Session, an interactive survey gathered feedback from attendees. The input collected through this session is expected to guide future actions of the CARE Program, ensuring it remains aligned with the needs and perspectives of the research community.

Talks and activities from the workshop.

The workshop concluded with a Collaboration Café, where participants engaged in a collective brainstorming session in breakdown groups, tackling the challenges facing the CARE program and proposing strategies to enhance research collaboration moving forward.

The event wrapped up with the announcement of the Flash Talks and Poster Award winner, Dr Adrià Bernat Peguera, a Sara Borrell Researcher from the Badalona Applied Research Group in Oncology (B·ARGO) at ICO and IGTP, recognising his exceptional research contributions. He received an invitation to attend the European Association for Cancer Research (EACR) congress, which will take place in May 2025 in Barcelona.

Researchers who presented their posters and the award winner.

The II CARE Workshop event, that will be renamed in the future as the CARE Annual meeting, was a resounding success, drawing active participation and valuable insights from the Can Ruti cancer research community. It highlighted the importance of collaboration in advancing cancer research and set the stage for continued progress in the years to come.

CARE Program – The research within the program focuses on various forms of cancer, aiming to accelerate knowledge transfer and technological progress in cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Through this program, the quality of cancer research will be enhanced, and its impact on clinical practice maximised.

Organising committee.