Advanced Methods in Cancer Research Summer School
Julkaistu 1.7.2026
The program will highlight state-of-the-art methods for studying cancer biology: advanced in vitro techniques, cutting-edge in vivo approaches, and spatial and single-cell technologies in both genomics and proteomics. In addition, the program will address computational and AI-assisted methods that are integral to cancer research.
20.08 @ 09:00 – 21.08 @ 13:30
ADVANCED METHODS IN CANCER RESEARCH 20.-21.8.2026
COURSE PROGRAM (tentative)
Kuopio campus, Snellmania SN201
Day 1 Thursday 20.8.2026
OPENING OF THE COURSE
9.00–9.30 Registration, poster set up
9.30–9.40 Opening of the course
Session 1: In vivo models for cancer research
09.40–10.20 Arafath Kaja Najumudeen (University of Helsinki): Genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) in cancer research
10.20–10.50 Ahmed Al-Samadi/Henriikka Hakomäki (University of Eastern Finland): Zebrafish xenograft models to study chemotherapy response
10.50–11.20 Jussi Rytkönen (IQVIA Laboratories Finland Oy) Patient-derived xenografts and translational imaging in rodent models of cancer
11.20–11.50 Student presentations (will be selected from abstracts)
11.50–12.40 Lunch (at own expense)
Session 2: Advanced in vitro models to study cancer
12.40–13.10 Yafei Wang (University of Helsinki) Modeling High-Grade Serous Carcinoma with Patient-Derived Organoids
13.10–13.40 Caroline Heckman (University of Helsinki) Harnessing Patient-Derived Models to Predict and Overcome Drug Resistance
13.40–14.10 Juha Rantala (Misvik Biology Oy): Utilizing patient derived tumor models in drug development
14.10–14.25 Student presentations (will be selected from abstracts)
14.25 – 15.15 Coffee break and posters
Session 3: Single cell and spatial technologies in cancer research
15.15–15.45 Anna Vähärautio (University of Helsinki) Tracing back primed resistance in cancer via sister cells
15.45–16.15 Minna Kaikkonen-Määttä (University of Eastern Finland): Spatial transcriptomics and single cell genomics techniques at UEF
16.15–16.45 Mikko Gynther (University of Eastern Finland): Quantitative proteomics in cancer research and drug development
16.45–17.15 Student presentations (will be selected from abstracts)
19.00 Evening program
Day 2 Friday 21.8.2026
Session 4: Computational systems medicine and AI approaches in cancer research
9.00–9.30 Tero Aittokallio (University of Helsinki): Predictive modelling of drug combination responses using single-cell data
9.30–10.00 Mariike Kuijjer (University of Helsinki/University of Oslo): Multi-omic data analysis and integration for precision medicine
10.00–10.30 Vittorio Fortino (University of Eastern Finland): Artificial Intelligence for molecular patient stratification and precision therapeutics
10.30–11.00 Coffee break and posters
Session 5: Biobanks enabling translational cancer research
11.00–11.30 Juha Väyrynen (University of Oulu): Multiplex immunofluorescence for tumor immune biomarker discovery
11.30–12.00 TBA FinnGen as a resource in genetic research
12.00–12.30 Piia Mikkonen (Finnish Biobanks FINBB): Transforming Cancer Research with Biobanks and Industry
12.30–13.00 Student presentations (will be selected from abstracts)
13.00- 13.10 Closing remarks
Please see further information and programme: https://www.uef.fi/en/event/cancer-research-summer-school-2026
Registration deadline 11 August 2026! The abstract submission deadline 5 August 2026!
