From Immune Activation to Toxicity:Challenges of Cancer Immunotherapies

On September 24, an inaugural conference on immunotherapies will launch the 2025 edition of an experimental interdisciplinary teaching module backed by research. This international event is part of the Charm-EU alliance of European universities.

Following the success of its first edition in 2024, the experimental interdisciplinary teaching module "Tackling Health Challenges in Internationally Linked Research Hubs – Framing Solutions" is being renewed. The fruit of a collaboration between the University of Montpellier, the University of Utrecht and the SIRIC Montpellier Cancer, this year it has been extended to include new partners: the University of Barcelona, the IHU Immun4cure and the FHU Evocan-2. Organized as part of the Charm-EU alliance, this experimental module is open to Masters-level students of all nationalities and disciplines, particularly in medicine, biology, chemistry and biomedical engineering. It invites them to design innovative international cancer treatment research projects, enabling them to work in small groups in a stimulating collaborative format.

"From Immune Activation to Toxicity:Challenges of Cancer Immunotherapies" is the title of the inaugural international conference to be held on September 24, 2025. It will bring together clinicians, researchers and patient associations to share their expertise with international students from a variety of disciplines. This is a unique opportunity for all those involved in immunotherapy research to meet, exchange ideas and innovate together. Following the conference, student teams will work throughout the academic year to propose research projects related to pathology, with the support of an international network of researchers committed to this theme.

This program was designed in collaboration with SIRIC Montpellier Cancer, a center of excellence in cancer research certified by the French National Cancer Institute (INCa), IHU Immun4cure, and FHU Evocan-2, whose ambition is to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic concepts for cancer patients through an interdisciplinary approach. Several institutions on the site are involved, including the Montpellier Cancer Institute (ICM), the Montpellier Research Institute (IRCM), the Charles Gerhardt Institute of Montpellier (ICGM), and the Max Mousseron Biomolecules Institute (IBMM).

Program

• Clinical presentation– Discussion on current clinical practices and challenges of immunotherapies in the fight against cancer: from immune activation to toxicity.
• Patients' perspective – Testimonials from patients and patient associations about their experiences with immunotherapies.
• Flash presentations on research issues– Short presentations on recent advances in research.
• Roundtable discussion– From fundamentals to real-world impact: interactive session with experts to discuss key issues and future prospects.

Online event
Hybrid international event – the link to connect will be sent to participants before the conference.

Languages
Simultaneous translation into French and English available.

Contacts:

• Sonia Cantel
• Aurora Marquis
• Gilles Subra
• Vanessa Vigano