From delegate to speaker: reflecting on IPSCC 2026 in Amsterdam

Student-led science

Student presentations formed the heart of the conference, showcasing the creativity, dedication and scientific excellence of the next generation of cancer researchers.

Across three days, PhD students presented work on cancer evolution and metastasis, therapy resistance, immunology, biomarkers and precision oncology.

A personal milestone

This year marked an important milestone in my PhD journey: I presented my research at an international conference.

In the weeks before IPSCC, I refined my slides, rehearsed my talk and focused on explaining my work clearly to fellow cancer researchers. Standing at the front of the lecture theatre felt nerve-racking at first, but the supportive, student-led atmosphere quickly put me at ease.

The questions and feedback gave me new perspectives on my project and helped me build confidence in communicating my research. I would encourage any PhD student to take opportunities to present whenever they can.

Workshops beyond the lab

Alongside the scientific programme, attendees joined workshops focused on professional and personal development, including:

• Theatre Skills to Present Cancer Research led by Gijs Meeusen, composer with a PhD in physics and founder of Artesc.
• Inclusivity, Diversity and Equity in Science led by Maria Sovago, lecturer in physics at the faculty of Applied Sciences in Delft University of Technology and founder of Stralia.
• How to Handle Failure in Science led by Wing-Yan Man, strategic program coordinator at Delft University of Technology and founder of 3310 School for Millennials.

These sessions encouraged us to look beyond our experiments and consider the wider skills that shape a research career, from inclusive science to resilience and communication.

I joined the Theatre Skills to Present Cancer Research workshop led by Gijs Meeusen. Through lively, hands-on exercises, Gijs encouraged students to think about how body language, voice, movement and audience engagement can strengthen scientific presentations.

The session created a relaxed, supportive atmosphere and reminded us that strong presentations depend not only on good data, but also on confident storytelling. 

Poster discussions

The poster sessions were another highlight, creating space for detailed scientific discussions, fresh ideas and conversations about research taking place across Europe.

The breadth of projects was striking, with topics ranging from fundamental cancer biology to translational and clinical research.

The sessions helped researchers working in complementary fields connect, exchange ideas and explore future collaborations.

Patient perspectives

The patient advocate session was one of the most powerful parts of IPSCC 2026. Each patient advocate spoke alongside a clinician, bringing lived experience and medical insight together.

The first session featured Warnyta Minnaard, co-founder of Missie Tumor Onbekend, a Dutch support organisation for Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP). Warnyta’s advocacy was inspired by the loss of her partner, Hederik, to the disease. Alongside a clinician’s overview of CUP, her talk highlighted the clinical complexity of cancers with an unknown origin and their impact on patients and families.

The second advocate, Stephanie de Brauw, shared her experience of being diagnosed with breast cancer after her symptoms were initially thought to be caused by an infection. She also reflected on the emotional impact of treatment while caring for her two children.

The final talk came from Luca Marks, who shared his experience of being diagnosed with medulloblastoma at a young age. He described how running supported his recovery, while a clinician’s overview highlighted the importance of long-term survivorship and quality of life.

Together, these sessions grounded the science in human experience and reinforced why cancer research must continue to push for earlier diagnosis, better treatments and improved quality of life.

Building connections through Lab Olympics

One of the most memorable social events was “Lab Olympics meet Oud-Hollandse Spellen!”, where students from different institutes, countries and research backgrounds competed in science-themed and traditional Dutch games.

The activities encouraged collaboration, creativity and plenty of friendly competition, from building pipette-tip towers to testing pipetting accuracy.

These light-hearted challenges helped people meet new colleagues and carried conversations beyond the lecture theatre and poster hall.

I am also pleased to report that my team won, adding an extra layer of fun to the experience.

An inspiring setting

The Netherlands Cancer Institute provided an outstanding venue for this year’s conference and an inspiring setting for scientific discussion.

Amsterdam also created plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow researchers during coffee breaks, evening events and time spent exploring the city.

That sense of community remains one of IPSCC’s greatest strengths, helping students build supportive networks that extend beyond the conference.

Final reflections

IPSCC 2026 combined outstanding science, engaging discussions and a passionate community of early-career researchers working to advance cancer research.

For me, this year felt particularly special. I first attended IPSCC as a delegate, then helped organise the conference in Manchester, and now returned as a speaker. That journey showed me how much confidence can grow during a PhD, both as a scientist and as a communicator.

I left Amsterdam feeling inspired, motivated and excited for the next stage of my PhD journey.

Looking ahead to IPSCC 2027

The next IPSCC will take place in London in June 2027, with PhD students from the London Cancer Research Institute preparing to host the 20^th edition.

If you are a PhD student working in cancer research, do not miss the chance to be part of this inspiring and collaborative event.