Inside EACR 2026: A PhD Student’s View from Europe’s Leading Cancer Research Congress

A week of cutting-edge cancer research

One of the most exciting parts of the congress was seeing researchers from the CRUK Manchester Institute contribute to the scientific programme. I regularly hear about their work in seminars and institute meetings, so it was inspiring to see them present on an international stage alongside leaders in cancer research from around the world.

• Professor Samra Turajlic, Director of the CRUK Manchester Institute, shared her pioneering work on tumour evolution and cancer genomics, which continues to shape how researchers understand cancer progression and treatment response.
• Professor Caroline Dive, from the CRUK National Biomarker Centre, presented advances in liquid biopsies and biomarker discovery, highlighting how these approaches could transform cancer diagnosis, monitoring and personalised treatment.
• Dr Evangelos Giampaziolas presented his work on tumour microbiota and its role in shaping anti-cancer immune responses. His research explores the complex interactions between microorganisms, the immune system and cancer, an area that is opening new ways to understand tumour biology and potential treatments.

The programme also featured internationally recognised scientists including Professor Johanna A. Joyce, whose work has transformed understanding of the tumour microenvironment; Professor Jacco van Rheenen, a pioneer in intravital imaging and cancer metastasis; Professor Andreas Trumpp, a leading expert in cancer stem cell biology; and Professor Yardena Samuels, whose research has advanced cancer immunotherapy and tumour immunogenicity.

Why EACR matters for PhD students

EACR gave me the chance to step back from the day-to-day focus of my PhD project and see the bigger picture. A PhD often requires deep focus on a specific question, but conferences help place that work in the wider landscape of cancer research. By attending sessions across different fields, I encountered new technologies, emerging concepts and innovative approaches that I may not have come across in my own area.

The congress also created valuable opportunities to network. During poster sessions, coffee breaks and informal conversations between talks, I met researchers from different institutes, countries and scientific backgrounds. These conversations sparked ideas, challenged assumptions and offered perspectives that can be harder to find within the familiar environment of our own laboratories.

Most importantly, EACR left me feeling motivated. Hearing about breakthrough discoveries, seeing the enthusiasm of fellow researchers and recognising the impact of collaboration reminded me why this work matters. It is easy to become immersed in experiments, deadlines and troubleshooting, but conferences show how individual projects contribute to a much larger effort to improve the lives of people affected by cancer.

Supporting early-career researchers

EACR also places strong emphasis on supporting early-career researchers. Sessions such as Cancer Researchers to Watch showcased emerging scientists, while networking events, career development sessions and opportunities to meet journal editors, funding experts and research leaders offered valuable professional development.

I attended several early-career researcher workshops, which created a more interactive space to engage with scientists at different career stages. One particularly useful session was the Career Development Workshop, where participants joined small roundtable discussions led by experienced researchers. The format encouraged open conversations about career progression, research opportunities and the challenges of building an independent scientific career.

My roundtable focused on “Leveraging a Postdoc in the US and Returning to Europe to Initiate Your Own Research Programme.” Hearing from researchers who had taken this route helped me understand the opportunities and challenges of gaining international research experience while keeping long-term career goals in Europe in view. We discussed how to choose the right postdoctoral environment, build an international network, secure funding and develop scientific independence.

As PhD students, we often focus on the immediate challenges of our projects, while future career decisions can feel distant or uncertain. These sessions encouraged me to think more strategically about the next stages of a research career and gave me space to ask questions in an informal, supportive environment. Listening to researchers who had navigated these transitions helped demystify the process and provided practical advice that formal training does not always cover.

These workshops complemented the scientific programme and reinforced that conferences like EACR offer much more than the latest science. They also help early-career researchers build the skills, networks and confidence they need to develop a successful research career.

Final reflections

Attending EACR 2026 was a rewarding and energising experience. The congress brought together world-leading science, inspiring researchers and a vibrant community committed to advancing cancer research.

I returned from Budapest with new ideas, fresh motivation and a broader understanding of where cancer research is heading. Presenting my poster, discussing science with researchers from across the world and learning about the latest developments all made the congress a memorable and valuable experience.

For any PhD student thinking about attending a major international conference, I would strongly encourage it. Beyond the science, these meetings help you build confidence, grow your network and gain perspectives that can shape both your research and your future career.