Welcome

Dear colleagues and friends,

We are happy to announce the first FEBS Advanced Lecture Course on Tumour microenvironment: From tumour heterogeneity to therapy resistance, which will take place from May 4 – 8, 2026  at Fodele Beach Resort, on the idyllic island of Crete in Greece. The course is aimed at PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers interested in cancer biology and the tumour microenvironment. 

The course will bring together an international and interdisciplinary community of basic, translational and clinical researchers to discuss key aspects and new conceptual advancements in the field of tumour microenvironment, mechanisms of therapy resistance, cancer cell heterogeneity and cell plasticity. The course aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the physiological functions of the distinct cell types that comprise the tumour microenvironment and how these cells are implicated in disease progression and therapy resistance. New technologies and tools to study the tumour microenvironment, such as tissue biomechanics, gene therapy for immune cell reprogramming and single-cell technologies will be highlighted. The course will also showcase the clinical relevance of targeting the tumour microenvironment and will demonstrate how findings from basic research in model organisms can lead to improved therapeutic applications.

The scientific programme of the course includes seven thematic sessions and is designed to offer advanced training and in-depth discussions. Talks will be delivered by internationally recognised experts in the field, alongside selected presentations from young scientists, promoting active participation and scientific exchange across career stages. Young scientists will also have the opportunity to present and discuss their work during poster sessions and structured networking activities.

In addition to the scientific content, the course will place strong emphasis on training, networking, and career development. Dedicated workshops will focus on career paths in academia and industry, how to improve scientific writing & funding applications, and ‘meet the expert’ session, where young researchers will have the opportunity to meet in small groups with senior scientists who are leaders in their field and discuss specific issues. There will also be plenty of opportunities throughout the meeting for participants and speakers to informally interact in a relaxed and idyllic atmosphere, during the social events, and by spending free time at the beach.

Overall, the course will provide a stimulating and supportive environment for learning, discussion, and collaboration, and will contribute to the advancement of the tumour microenvironment research field.

Fodele is a traditional and charming village, 28km from Heraklion airport, surrounded by orange, mandarine, lemon and olive groves. Fodele is the birthplace of the famous painter Dominikos Theotokopoulos "El Greco".    

Places are limited to 100 students/postdocs. To help facilitate participation, there are 5 FEBS Youth Travel Fund Grants 1 IUBMB Transcontinental-Youth Travel Fund Grant and 1 Travel Grant from the Hellenic Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology available to help cover registration fees and full accommodation expenses.

We look forward to welcoming you in Crete.

Ioanna, Kebs, Panos, Damya, Toni 
Course Organizers

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