A particularly memorable part of the training school was our visit to HUB Organoids/Merck, where we had the opportunity to see how discoveries in academic research can translate into biomedical innovation. As a preclinical PhD student, it was exciting to observe how organoid technologies are being applied in oncology and drug development in an industry setting. Learning about the company’s journey from a startup initiative to an established biotechnology company provided valuable perspective on how fundamental research can evolve into impactful therapeutic platforms.

During the visit, Principal Scientist Farzin Pourfarzad hosted our visit and shared insights into the development and application of organoid models for studying cancer biology and improving drug screening strategies. The lab tour, led by René Overmeer, offered a closer look at the technologies and workflows that support high-throughput organoid research.

Another highlight was the interactive career panel featuring professionals from various roles within the company, including Kim Laband, Merel Derksen, Aimilia Karanatsiou, and Maria Teresa Sposato. Their openness in discussing career paths, collaborations with academia, and the realities of working in industry provided valuable guidance for us considering future opportunities beyond academia.

The visit offered a unique glimpse into the intersection between academic research and biotechnology development and how advanced cellular models such as organoids are integrated into translational cancer research. It highlighted how innovative technologies might accelerate the development of new treatments for patients.