Integrated approaches to fight colorectal cancer

Organized as part of the European university CHARM-EU, the international conference "Integrated approaches to fight colorectal cancer: all together to break down barriers" will take place on September 25, 2024.

This event marks the start of an experimental international teaching module for students at the University of Montpellier and Utrecht University, two member institutions of the CHARM-EU alliance of European universities.

The conference will bring together clinicians, researchers, and patient associations (Digestive Cancers Europe, My Colorectal Cancer Network, etc.) who will be able to share their expertise with international students from different disciplines. This is a unique opportunity for everyone involved in the fight against colorectal cancer to meet, exchange ideas, and innovate together.

Following the conference, teams of students will work to propose research projects related to the pathology with the support of an international network of researchers interested in this topic. This new interdisciplinary and international module, "Tackling challenges through international linked research hub," leverages the excellence of international research networks to address global challenges in line with the three pillars of the I-Site Nourrir-Soigner-Protéger (Feed-Care-Protect) label of excellence. Fully integrated into the curriculum of the various master's programs at the universities of Montpellier and Utrecht, it applies the innovative educational principles of the European University CHARM-EU through an approach focused on solving real-world challenges while preparing students to design a research project.

This day was organized in collaboration with SIRIC Montpellier Cancer, a center of excellence in oncology certified by the French National Cancer Institute (INCa), whose ambition is to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic concepts for cancer patients through an interdisciplinary approach. Several institutions are involved, in particular the Montpellier Cancer Institute, the Montpellier Research Institute, and the Max Mousseron Biomolecules Institute.