The 18th International PhD Student Cancer Conference Comes to Manchester
By Florentia Mousoullou, Cancer Sciences PhD student and Science Communication Ambassador
Last year, I attended the International PhD Student Cancer Conference (IPSCC) in Berlin and was blown away by the energy, creativity, and passion of early-career cancer researchers from around the world. This year, I had the privilege of helping bring that same spirit to Manchester – this time, as part of the organising team.
From 11–13 June 2025, The University of Manchester became a vibrant hub for early-career cancer research. Hundreds of PhD students and young scientists from across Europe came together to share their work, challenge ideas, and build a community that stretches far beyond the lab.
From Idea to Reality: Organising IPSCC 2025
The idea to host IPSCC in Manchester was born on the flight home from Berlin. As a group of PhD students, we returned home full of ideas, and buzzing from the experience, and became determined to bring IPSCC to Manchester.
Most of us had never organised an event of this scale before. From securing venues and inviting keynote speakers to reviewing abstracts and curating a diverse scientific programme, every step was a learning experience. Weekly planning meetings turned into daily email threads, and balancing lab work with logistics was no small feat.
There were challenges (like our team’s t-shirts going missing the night before the conference!) but our shared vision – to create a platform where early-career researchers could connect and thrive – kept us going.
The International PhD Student Cancer Conference (IPSCC) organising team
Sophie Richardson won second prize for her PhD talk.
Conference Highlights
Once the conference began, months of planning came to life in three days of exciting discussions, scientific exchange, and new friendships. We were proud to deliver such an inclusive programme featuring students, senior researchers, and patient advocates.
Keynote Speakers
Our keynote speakers brought fresh perspectives and deep insight:
- Dr Samra Turajlic (Francis Crick Institute) opened the conference with a powerful talk on tumour evolution and heterogeneity.
- From Manchester, Dr Santiago Zelenay, Dr Amaya Viros, and Dr Sylvain Delaunay shared their latest research in cancer immunology and chromosomal instability.
- Professor Maria Rescigno (Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan) explored the fascinating role of the gut microbiome in cancer therapy.
Each talk sparked lively conversations that continued well beyond the lecture halls.
Student Talks
The heart of IPSCC lies in its student presentations. Over three days, we heard from PhD students and early-career researchers working across the cancer research spectrum – from basic biology to clinical applications. The quality and clarity of the talks were exceptional, and it was clear that many of these researchers are already shaping the future of the field.
We were especially proud to see several CRUK Manchester Institute students present their work, including Louis Roussel, Lucy Barton, Kirsten Tinsley, Jingru Xu, Hannah Sheedy, and Sophie Richardson. A special congratulations to Sophie, who won second prize for her PhD talk on cell-free DNA methylome analysis for monitoring disease relapse in Ewing Sarcoma.
PhD students attending a breakout poster session
Swara Patel (left) with Ana Ortega-Franco (right), who won first prize for her poster presentation
Poster Sessions
The poster sessions were a hub of energy and exchange. Topics ranged from tumour immunology and drug resistance to AI in pathology and early detection. Attendees moved from poster to poster, asking questions, sharing ideas, and forming new collaborations.
Congratulations to our poster prize winners:
- 1st Prize: Ana Ortega-Franco (CRUK Manchester Institute)
- 2nd Prize: Oscar Baldwin (CRUK Cambridge Institute)
- 3rd Prize: Omar Bouricha (Francis Crick Institute)
Patient Advocate Session
One of the most powerful moments of the conference came from our patient advocate session, featuring voices from The Christie NHS Foundation Trust. Their stories reminded us that behind every dataset is a person whose life has been affected by cancer. Their insights grounded our scientific discussions in real-world impact and highlighted the importance of collaboration between researchers, clinicians, and patients.
CRUK Manchester PhD students at the formal dinner
PhD students enjoying the sun outside of Manchester Students' Union
A Manchester Welcome
Every IPSCC reflects the character of its host city, and Manchester brought its own unique energy. The University’s historic campus provided a beautiful and accessible setting, and for many attendees, it was their first time experiencing the city’s vibrant culture.
We also made sure to include plenty of opportunities to relax and connect:
- Welcome Social: Held at the Students’ Union bar, complete with street food and a science-themed quiz hosted by Lucy Barton.
- Conference Dinner: A relaxed evening at a canal-side restaurant in the city centre, which felt very “Mancunian” and provided the perfect backdrop for deeper conversations that would have been impossible in a lecture hall.
Reflections and Looking Ahead
Being part of the IPSCC 2025 organising committee has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my PhD. It taught us how to lead, collaborate, and create something meaningful beyond our individual research projects. Seeing rooms full of engaged attendees, posters surrounded by curious minds, and conversations buzzing with ideas made every challenge worthwhile.
We’re incredibly proud of what IPSCC 2025 became, and deeply grateful to everyone who made it possible. As we pass the baton to next year’s hosts, we’re excited to see how IPSCC continues to grow.
Next Stop: Amsterdam
IPSCC 2026 will take place in Amsterdam next June – and if this year is anything to go by, it promises to be another unforgettable event.
Mark your calendars for the 19th IPSCC. You won’t want to miss it!
