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Over 150 participants from all over the world gathered at the 13th CCBIO Annual symposium at Hotel Solstrand, May 13th-14th. 

The symposium marks the transition from the CCBIO1.0 CoE-phase (2013–2024) to the continuation phase of CCBIO2.0. The Director of CCBIO, Professor Lars A. Akslen, explains:

“CCBIO is still a Centre of Excellence, past the Research Council of Norway funding phase. We are now continuing our research, with significant momentum and enhanced focus on innovation and entrepreneurship.”  This was visible in the program for the symposium, which for the first time had sessions dedicated to industry:

“This is simply a reflection of the increased focus that we will now have on innovation and industry interactions, from startups to collaborations with big pharma”, Akslen says, and adds:

“Of course, we collaborate with big pharma when it comes to trials, but the startup phase and small companies are also extremely important. They can pick up early scientific discoveries and try to develop them into strategies for diagnostic tests or drugs for the market”.

“Standing at a crossroads”

It has become a tradition that the Director points to a pop cultural “motto” or metaphor for the symposium. This year was no exception, and Akslen chose the song “Crossroads” and mentioned the great live performance by the UK band Cream (1993).

According to Akslen, crossroads is a fitting and relevant keyword for both young researchers and cancers themselves:
“With the motto crossroads I wanted to remind people about the decisions they have to make during their scientific careers. Besides, tumors also have crossroads, they have different ways to go. For the young crowd, it is particularly important to continue to reflect on the mechanisms that influence their directions,” he says. 

As Akslen sees it, the motto is suitable for CCBIO itself at this moment: “I think we are at a crossroads. We have decided to focus more on innovation and industry development”, the professor says. 

Stimulating talk about p53

A highlight at this meeting was the opening keynote presentation made by p53 legend Sir David Lane, now professor of tumor biology at the Karolinska Institutet. Sir David discovered the p53 protein in 1979 and reflected on its many facets, still asking critical questions about established “truths” in the field. In a most stimulating way, he discussed recent findings and controversies relating to the role of p53 in cancer, and the key areas of research that are required to further clarify the function of this protein. 

"To me, this was a true highlight over the years, but not because of the legend factor. Sir David demonstrated persistent curiosity and energy as he continued to question the current wisdom. He is still aiming to expand this field”, Akslen says. “This way of performing science should be especially noted by the younger crowd”.

Multidisciplinary biomarker program

CCBIO has been complemented on taking a multidisciplinary approach to their symposia, trying to mirror the complexity of the cancer biomarker field. With an increased focus on innovation and translating discoveries to treatment, the multifaceted approach was also maintained this year.

The audience listened to many inspiring talks, from basic studies to translational and clinical projects, for example, in the fields of breast cancer, endometrial cancer, leukemia and cancer epidemiology (see ).

Of extra value this year were the two industry sessions—on startups on Day 1 (Neoety, Thelper, and Cytovation), and on career pathways in big pharma on Day 2 (GSK, AbbVie, and AstraZeneca). 

Showcasing the younger researchers

Two poster sessions and a speed talk session highlighted the work of CCBIO’s and collaborative partners’ PhD students, postdocs and other young researchers. Apart from making their research object to fruitful scientific discussions, this serves as an excellent arena to practice scientific presentations and pitching. For extra motivation, two presenters per session were selected through audience voting for Best Poster and Best Speed Talk. Congratulations on impressive work to Rammah Elnour (Best Speed Talk, and Best Poster day 2), Ghazal Lessan Toussi (Best Speed Talk), Hui Yi (Best Poster day 1), Lorena Larios (Best Poster day 1), and Oda Fløtre (Best Poster day 2)!

Connecting in science

«The meeting was a true inspiration, with a mix of different topics and fascinating people learning from each other and connecting,” Akslen concludes. “We will be back for more inspiration next year.”

The 2026 symposium will be held on May 12–13, also this time at Solstrand.

This year’s meeting was supported by GSK (gold sponsor) as well as by AbbVie and AstraZeneca.