The event featured a series of presentations on a wide range of topics, including cancer immunotherapy, organoid research, and drug development. Notable presentations were delivered by Claudia Rossig on the application of chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapies for pediatric cancers and Anne Rios on the immune-organoid imaging-transcriptomics platform. These presentations not only expanded the attendees’ understanding of the latest developments in the field but also highlighted the potential of innovative approaches for improving patient outcomes.

Beyond the academic sessions, the event provided ample opportunities for networking and collaboration during the industrial market fair. Attendees had the chance to connect not only with fellow researchers and PhD students, but also with the industry representatives from many pharmaceutical companies, including Crown Bioscience, Genmab, and Sanofi exchanging ideas and discussing potential partnerships. The spokespersons presented research areas and programs in their respective companies that might be of interest for PhD students and shared their personal experiences in transitioning from academia to industry. This way, PhD students were able to gather first-hand valuable insight and advice from professionals working in the industry about available research fellowship programs for their secondments and post-PhD career opportunities.

At the same time, the poster session served as a platform for showcasing a wide range of projects by both Vagabond & Butterfly PhD students, from basic research to clinical trials, stimulating discussions and identifying areas for future partnership. For example, one poster presented data on the development of a novel targeted therapy for neuroblastoma, while another described the results of a preclinical study evaluating the efficacy of a combination immunotherapy approach for Ewing sarcoma.

One of the highlights of the event was the boat tour of Utrecht. This provided a relaxed opportunity for attendees to unwind and reflect on the week’s events, building a sense of community and strengthening relationships within the Vagabond & Butterfly group.

Overall, the Autumn School Program not only showcased the latest advancements in pediatric oncology but also highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the potential of innovative approaches for improving patient outcomes. As the pediatric oncology community continues to evolve, events like these will play a crucial role in driving progress and narrowing the gap between academia and industry for PhD students.