The Cancer Researcher Podcast
The Cancer Researcher Podcast, brought to you by the European Association for Cancer Research (EACR), features in-depth interviews with renowned scientists from around the world. Each episode explores the guests' personal experiences and insights on navigating a career in cancer research, from dealing with imposter syndrome to making pivotal career decisions. The podcast offers practical advice and powerful examples to help early-career researchers succeed in the field. It is published monthly and focuses on empowering listeners on their professional journeys in science.
Episodes
How Nerves Shape Cancer: From Energy Rewiring to Metastasis
In recent years, the neuronal component of the cancer microenvironment and the metabolic plasticity of cancer cells have become increasingly recognised as essential for cancer progression. Dr Simon Grelet and Dr Gustavo Ayala are two key researchers who work at the interface of cancer neuroscience and cancer metabolism, investigating metabolic reprogramming as a consequence of tumour innervation.
Patients Shaping Cancer Research
What does it take to bridge the gap between researchers and patients? This episode features a panel of scientists, researcher-oncologists, and patient advocates from several European countries (France, Belgium, Switzerland, and Slovenia) as well as Canada and the United States. They discuss how collaboration between patients and researchers can be promoted in order to strengthen research outcomes.
From Bedside to Bench: Lessons from three award-winning scientists
What happens when clinical care directly informs scientific discovery? This episode sees EACR award winners Charlie Swanton, Ayelet Erez and Daniel Kirschenbaum reflect on what drew them to pursuing cancer research alongside patient care, how bedside experiences guide lab investigations, and what it takes to turn a promising finding into real clinical progress. We also touch on recent breakthrough
A lifelong quest to understand cancer and cellular plasticity: Prof Xin Lu’s research journey following P53
Professor Xin Lu, Director of the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Oxford Branch, and keynote speaker at EACR 2026, talks about her scientific journey shaped by the early, influential studies of P53 and its role as a central tumour suppressor.
Tracing her journey from early training in China to landmark work in the UK, the conversation explores how fundamental questions about DNA damage, cell
Using AI to bridge chemistry, proteomics and precision medicine: Prof Bernhard Küster’s research journey
Professor Bernhard Küster, keynote speaker at EACR 2026, talks about his scientific journey from chemistry to chemical proteomics and precision medicine. He reflects on how an interdisciplinary mindset - combining chemistry, biology, and computational science - has shaped his approach to understanding how drugs act on proteins and how this knowledge can inform personalised cancer treatments. He al
Research Focus: How Dietary Fats Shape Immune Defenses Against Cancer
What you eat – specifically the type of fat – might matter for how well your immune system can fight cancer under conditions of obesity. Dr. Hannah Prendeville and Dr. Britta Kunkemoeller, two key researchers behind this work, will discuss the key mechanisms they uncovered that involve weakened immune systems’ “killer” cells.
🔗 Read more about the publication: https://magazine.eacr.org/highlights-
Behind the Scenes at the EACR Congress
Conferences don’t just happen – people make them. In this episode, Johanna Joyce, Joana Paredes and Mariangela Russo take you behind the scenes of the Annual Congress of the European Association for Cancer Research, from shaping sessions and selecting speakers to fostering early career opportunities and spotting emerging science. Hear their reflections on EACR 2025 in Lisbon and get an insider gli
Unlocking Cancer's Neural Code: A Deep (Molecular) Dive into Cancer Neuroscience with Trace-n-Seq
In this episode, we take a quick dive into the rapidly evolving field of cancer neuroscience. Joining us are Dr. Andreas Trumpp and Dr. Vera Thiel from DKFZ and HI-STEM, who introduce Trace-n-Seq, a groundbreaking technology that enables the molecular characterization of neurons within tumours at single-cell resolution. We discuss the application of this cutting-edge innovation in pancreatic cance
Bugging Cancer: Engineering Salmonella for Cancer Therapy
Two of the biggest challenges for the treatment of most solid cancers are drug toxicity, particularly systemic toxicity, and drug permeation in the tumoral tissue. These obstacles may be mitigated through the development of intracellular delivery systems designed to selectively deliver drugs to the tumour.
In this episode, we discuss with Dr. Vishnu Raman, CSO and co-founder at Ernst Pharmaceutica
Research focus: novel approach to advance treatment of KRAS-driven non-small cell lung cancer based on ERK5 and FAK inhibition
We speak with Dr. Georgia Konstantinidou and Dr. Chiara Pozzato from University of Bern about their recent pre-clinical research investigating a new potential treatment approach for KRAS driven cancers. The conversation explores the role of FAK signalling in KRAS driven NSCLC and potential approaches to bypass drug resistance against FAK inhibitors from the molecular mechanisms involved to the imp
Curiosity, optimism and collaboration: research insights from three award winning scientists
In this insightful and honest conversation, award winners Karin de Visser, Ido Amit and Marta Kovatcheva talk about their research, career journeys, and excitement for the future of cancer research. From curiosity and scientific breakthroughs to diversity and balancing life in the lab, they reflect on what it really means to be a researcher today.
This episode explores the evolution of the cancer
Charlie Swanton on perseverance, scientific change and asking questions
In this episode of The Cancer Researcher Podcast we interview Professor Charlie Swanton, Deputy Clinical Director of the Francis Crick Institute and Chief Clinician at Cancer Research UK on his research interests, the evolution of the field and how he turned round his failing PhD. Charlie also shares with us what he’s looking forward to at the EACR Congress ahead of his Keynote Lecture and gives s
Research focus: beating cancer at its own game - the effects of oncogenic signaling hyperactivation on cancer progression
In this episode of the Cancer Researcher Podcast we interview Matheus Diaz about his research in Rene Bernards' lab on a ‘paradoxical’ approach to cancer treatment involving the activation of oncogenic signaling. The conversation explores how this method potentially kills cancer cells and addresses drug resistance, based on Diaz's fascinating recent publication in Cancer Discovery.
🔗 Read more abo
Insights from a Keynote Speaker
In this episode of The Cancer Researcher Podcast we welcome back Professor Carlos Caldas, Clinician Scientist and Professor of Cancer Medicine at the University of Cambridge. As a keynote speaker at the upcoming EACR Congress, he shares insights into his breast cancer research, the evolution of cancer science, and the power of patient-derived xenograft models. We also discuss the Congress programm
Collaborating Across Borders
Cross-border collaboration is crucial in cancer research because it fosters knowledge-sharing, accelerates innovation, and maximises the impact of research by leveraging diverse expertise and resources. However, it also comes with many challenges.
In this episode of The Cancer Researcher Podcast we're joined by four renowned experts — the Director of EMBO, the Director of Research and Partnerships
Research focus: the impact of chronic stress on tumour progression
A cancer diagnosis is understandably stressful for a patient. But how does chronic stress influence cancer progression and metastasis? In this episode, Dr. Xue-Yan He discusses her recent research on the impact of stress on the tumour microenvironment, with a focus on the altered balance between neutrophils and lymphocytes and its role in promoting tumour spread.
This study, published in Cancer Ce
Research focus: a novel pan-lysyl oxidase inhibitor for improving the treatment of pancreatic cancer
Dr. Jessica Chitty and Dr. Thomas Cox generated and validated a novel selective and irreversible pan-lysyl oxidase inhibitor: PXS-5505. Their experiments in a series of pre-clinical models show that by acting on the tumour microenvironment, this small molecule drug has the ability to significantly enhance chemotherapy efficacy.
Listen to this episode to find out direct from the authors about the e
Scientific management as a career
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to pursue a career in scientific management? What would a regular workday look like? What skills are valued in this sector and what are the opportunities for career progression?
Tune into this episode of The Cancer Researcher Podcast for an insightful conversation with our three expert guests who each work in scientific management in different positions
Trailer
Welcome to The Cancer Researcher Podcast, from the European Association for Cancer Research.
Editing as a Scientific Career
Does becoming an editor mean you are leaving research? Can you ever go back to academia? And why should you "follow the cookies"?
Join us as we chat with seasoned professionals who have transitioned from the lab bench to the editorial desks at Molecular Oncology, Nature Reviews and Cell. They share their personal journeys, highlight the skills necessary for this unique career path, and offer advic
Demystifying scientific publishing
In this episode we're joined by editors from Cell, Nature Reviews and Molecular Oncology to discuss the process of scientific publishing: from the steps involved, including the peer review stage, to choosing the best home for your research; from preprints to peer-reviewed journals; from APCs and how to get a discount to the importance of engaging in an open conversation about your research with ed
Interview Tips from the Experts
In this episode you'll learn top tips from experts in both academia and industry to help you master your next interview. Discover strategies for overcoming nerves, handling unexpected questions, and making a lasting impression, whether in-person or via Zoom. Learn how to navigate job descriptions, emphasise desirable skills, and leave a positive impression even after a rejection.
This conversation
Research focus: the role of TRAIL in premetastatic niche formation in breast cancer
When studying TRAIL expression in the tumour stroma, Dr Massimiliano Mazzone and Dr Carla Riera-Domingo made a surprising discovery with great therapeutic potential: this immunoregulator acts as a gatekeeper of the vasculature at the pre-metastatic niche. Listen to this episode to find out what implications this has for the formation of the premetastatic niche and the therapeutic value this novel
How to Break the Glass Ceiling for Women in Cancer Research
In this episode we continue our exploration of gender diversity in cancer research with Johanna Joyce, Marisol Soengas, and Mireia Crispin Ortuzar. Drawing from the challenges discussed in the previous episode, they discuss practical measures to break the glass ceiling for women in cancer research.
They share insights into the importance of supportive networks, mentorship, and the involvement of b
Is there a glass ceiling for women in cancer research?
In this episode, we engage in a dynamic discussion on gender diversity in cancer research with guests Johanna Joyce, Marisol Soengas, and Mireia Crispin Ortuzar. Exploring challenges faced by women in science, they address the leaky pipeline, postdoc instability, and the importance of fostering inclusive work environments.
Our guests share valuable insights into the need for tailored diversity str
Freeing Scientists to Explore: The Role of Curiosity in Cancer Research
Tune in for a journey through the unexpected. In this episode we unravel the magic of curiosity-driven research in revolutionising cancer breakthroughs.
Join us with our guests Prof. Ruth Palmer (Sweden), Professor Daniel Peeper (Netherlands) and Professor Iwona Lugowska (Poland) as we explore captivating stories, from DNA sequencing to unexpected discoveries in tyrosine phosphorylation. Discover
Make your research count: increasing the impact of your research beyond publication impact factor
What does it really take to move the needle in cancer research? In this episode, we discuss with three experts how to conduct impactful research. We define what constitutes impact and examine how to measure and increase it for your research. We also explore conveying impact in grant applications, and the role of public engagement and patient advocacy.
Access transcripts for all our episodes at mag
Grant Applications: How to Stand out
Join us as we delve deeper into the world of grant applications, continuing the conversation we started in episode 4, 'Let's Talk About Grant Applications'. Our discussion not only unravels the intricacies of the grant writing process but also shines a light on the often-overlooked aspects of the interview stage.
Discover the keys to success as we explore topics such as the significance of present
Building Networks
In this episode we explore the importance of networking in research. Dr. Rege Russness, Professor at the University of Oslo, and Dr. Lisa Hoffmann-Haas, Senior Editor at Nature Cancer, share practical tips on improving your networking skills, with a focus on conference participation. We discuss strategies for both in-person and virtual conferences, and touch on the role of social media. Tune in to
Let’s Talk About Grant Applications
Join us in this insightful episode as we dive into the world of grant applications with a dynamic trio of experts: Dr. Arianna Baggiolini, a talented early-career principal investigator, Prof. Greg Hannon, an experienced senior researcher, and Dr. Ryan Schoenfeld, the leader of the well-known funding body The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research. Together, they bring a wealth of experience and know
There’s Always More Than Just One Way
Please note: this episode was recorded live at a scientific conference, and so the audio quality is not as good as other episodes.
In this episode we explore the significance of working in a multidisciplinary environment, the impact of having role models, and how to avoid 'research in a vacuum'. We also discuss an alternative route to becoming a successful cancer researcher that diverges from the
How Does the Student Become the Master?
Please note: this episode was recorded live at a scientific conference, and so the audio quality is not as good as other episodes.
Three distinguished professors, Sara Zanivan (UK), Christian Frezza (Germany) and Arkaitz Carracedo (Spain) share their personal journeys and advice on becoming a Principal Investigator. They discuss the importance of leadership training, mentorship, and psychological
The Power of a Postdoc
This episode focuses on new beginnings and how your postdoc positions can shape your progression in academia. Our guests Yardena Samuels (Israel) and Elisa Oricchio (Switzerland) discuss what they consider to be the key criteria for choosing a postdoc, finding work-life balance, mitigating career breaks, and being calculated versus taking measured risks when it comes to career progression.
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