Cancer research relies on experts from various disciplines sharing their findings, learning from one another and working together to find new solutions. At this year’s Cancer Research Network Bern (CRNB) meeting on the Gurten near Bern, PhD and MD-PhD students, postdocs, research staff, and heads of study and research groups from the fields of basic, translational and clinical cancer research at the University of Bern and Inselspital came together.
In addition to two excellent keynote speakers, the scientific programme featured 14 oral presentations and 34 poster presentations, in which young cancer researchers presented their projects from various research groups at Inselspital and the University of Bern.
The research projects were the subject of lively discussion and debate. Ideas, concepts and opinions were exchanged, and the network was strengthened and expanded.
Two researchers received awards for the best oral presentation and the best poster. The prizes were presented by Prof. Dr. phil. nat. Deborah Stroka, a member of the CRNB Steering Committee.
The event highlighted the strong and committed collaboration between Inselspital and the University of Bern in the field of cancer research. Ultimately, this enables research to benefit patients.
Keynote Speakers
- Prof. Dr. med. Carole Bourquin, Ph.D.
Director of the Institute of Pharmacology at the University of Bern - Prof. Dr. med. Olivier Michielin, Ph.D.,
Chair of the Department of Oncology and Precision Oncology at Geneva University Hospital
Award for best oral presentation
- Nina Baumgartner, from the research group of Prof. Dr. phil nat. Inti Zlobec/ Dr. phil. nat. Hannah Williams, Institute of Tissue Medicine and Pathology at the University of Bern, in the research area of Digital Pathology & Computational Oncology: ‘Assessment and Automated Detection of Tumour Deposits in Colorectal Cancer Routine H&E Whole Slide Images’
Award for best poster presentation
Martina Franchini, from the research group of Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Carsten Riether, Institute for medical Oncology at the University of Bern, in the research area of Cancer Genomics: ‘Functional genomics and spatial profiling reveal therapeutic vulnerabilities in HPV-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma’
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Cancer Research Network Bern (CRNB)
In 2026, the annual meeting was held for the second time under the auspices of the University Comprehensive Cancer Center Inselspital (UCI). The CRNB is the research arm and an integral part of the UCI. – www.uci.insel.ch
