Charm-EU: Working Together for Colorectal Cancer Research
On September 25, an international conference on colorectal cancer marked the launch of a brand-new educational module led by the University of Marseille (UM) and Utrecht University (Netherlands) as part of the Charm-EU alliance of European universities. What is the goal of these two academic partners? To leverage the excellence of international research networks to help their students tackle global challenges.
Organized as part of the Charm-EU European University, the conference “Integrated Approaches to Fight Colorectal Cancer: All Together to Break Down Barriers” took place on September 25 at the Montpellier Cancer Research Institute (IRCM). It brought together clinicians and researchers from the universities of Montpellier and Utrecht, as well as patient associations (Digestive Cancers Europe, Mon réseau cancer colorectal, etc.). Together, they shared their work and expertise with international students from various disciplines at the University of Montpellier (UM) and Utrecht University. The event was organized in close collaboration with SIRIC Montpellier Cancer, a center of excellence in oncology certified by the National Cancer Institute (INCa), as well as the Montpellier Cancer Institute (ICM), the IRCM, and the Max Mousseron Institute of Biomolecules (IBMM).
International research networks
This international conference marked the launch of an experimental course taught in English and open to students from both partner universities. Titled “Tackling Challenges Through an International Linked Research Hub, ” this international and interdisciplinary course is organized as part of the Charm-EU alliance of European universities. It leverages the excellence of international research networks to address global challenges, allowing students to experience a challenge-based learning approach while preparing to design a research project.
Following the conference, French and Dutch students will work together in small teams for one semester to propose research projects related to the pathology in question, with the support of researchers interested in this topic, as well as patients and experts in the field. Note that they will present their joint work on December 11 at the IRCM.
