A final event marked by collaboration and innovation
On December 3rd, the second edition of the international Research Hubs module ended at the Institut du Cancer de Montpellier (ICM) with the public presentation of research projects developed by students from both the University of Montpellier and the University of Utrecht.
Developed as part of the European alliance CHARM‑EU and in partnership with SIRIC Montpellier Cancer, this innovative program strengthens the bridge between education and research, preparing the next generation of scientists to engage in interdisciplinary, collaborative, and challenge‑driven research.
The initiative perfectly reflects SIRIC Montpellier Cancer’s mission to promote translational cancer research and nurture links between academic exploration and clinical application.
Research projects focused on cancer immunotherapies
Following the inaugural conference on September 24 “From Immune Activation to Toxicity: Challenges on Cancer Immunotherapies”, students formed interdisciplinary teams to explore the complex and evolving field of cancer immunotherapies.
Over three months of collaboration, five teams developed innovative research proposals addressing key issues such as:
- optimizing immune responses in combination cancer therapies;
- studying treatment‑related toxicity mechanisms;
- identifying predictive biomarkers to improve patient‑specific clinical monitoring.
This year, the University of Barcelona, IHU Immune4Cure, and FHU Evocan‑2 joined the initiative, supporting student training and project supervision throughout the program.
The research proposals were reviewed by an inter‑university scientific committee composed of faculty members, clinicians, and representatives from SIRIC Montpellier Cancer. As a core partner, SIRIC Montpellier Cancer reaffirmed its role as a key contributor to the advancement of translational oncology, fostering closer collaboration between research and clinical practice.
Looking ahead to 2026
The Research Hubs 2025 experience extended well beyond the final presentations. Beginning in Spring 2026, several students will undertake research internships at partner laboratories in Montpellier and Utrecht, strengthening the international collaboration established through the program.
