Adaptmet training network kicks off Annual Meeting to transform metastasis research

The Adaptmet multidisciplinary and intersectorial research training programme held its first Annual Meeting at IRB Barcelona from 11 to 14 November. This in-person gathering brought together the network's 16 talented Doctoral Candidates (DCs), along with 13 supervisors from 14 hosting institutions, associated partners, and external advisors.

The meeting's core objective was to strengthen the Adaptmet network and accelerate progress in metastasis research. This was achieved through focused scientific exchange, dedicated skills training, and essential strategic planning sessions. This collaborative approach fostered an integrated vision among the participants, providing the 16 Doctoral Candidates with a valuable opportunity to learn directly from Adaptmet supervisors and open doors to new synergies across the project’s teams.

Crucially, this first gathering also aimed to link the network to the dynamic local research ecosystem. Along these lines, the week culminated in the Frontiers in Metastasis Research Workshop. This dedicated event gave the young researchers and supervisors an additional, invaluable opportunity to engage with local experts from Barcelona, further expanding the network's professional and scientific reach.

“The meeting in Barcelona was truly inspiring, with four days full of insightful discussions, hands-on workshops, and meaningful connections that helped us strengthen both our scientific vision and our sense of community. Being surrounded by so much talent and passion for metastasis research has been incredibly motivating. I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this Horizon Europe initiative and to grow within such a supportive and collaborative network,” said Javier Herranz del Cerro, a DC at ZS Associates, Denmark.

Joana Martins, a DC at IRB Barcelona, added, “It was a pleasure to be part of the 1st Annual Meeting of Adaptmet, and to meet the amazing scientists that are part of this community dedicated to the challenge of studying metastasis. It was particularly interesting to learn how to communicate with a non-scientific audience to help us bridge our projects with the society that we aim to help.”

€4.4M of funding to address a critical need

With a total budget of €4.4 M, of which €3.5 M is provided by the European Commission (the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme under grant agreement 101169223), €307,786 by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and €607,132 by the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI), Adaptmet is a major European initiative guided by Dr. Roger Gomis, head of the Growth Control and Cancer Metastasis lab at IRB Barcelona.

“The 1st Annual Meeting represents an important milestone for Adaptmet and for everyone committed to advancing metastasis research in Europe. The energy, curiosity, and collaboration shown across our diverse network give me great confidence in our ability to address the toughest questions in cancer. Over the next three years and well into the future, I am excited to watch this new generation of scientists evolve and drive the field forward,” said Dr. Gomis.

The network’s core mission is to empower metastasis research in Europe, with a strong emphasis on clinical translation. To this end, Adaptmet is training the 16 DCs for prominent roles in research and drug discovery across European industry and academia.

Johanna Joyce, Adaptmet supervisor from the University of Lausanne and president-elect of European Association for Cancer Research, added, “This is such an amazing community, and we are looking forward to mentoring, advising, and supporting all the students on their journey as scientists over the coming years, and to see the discoveries they will make in the metastasis field - exciting times ahead for us all!”

Tackling the deadliest challenge in oncology

Adaptmet is unique in its focus on training the next generation of leaders in metastasis research, leveraging a sophisticated trans-disciplinary strategy.

Cancer metastasis—the spread of cancer cells from the primary tumour to other organs and tissues—is the cause of more than 90% of cancer-related deaths, making it one of the most pressing challenges in oncology. Despite advancements in cancer treatments, metastasis remains poorly understood and difficult to treat.

Adaptmet aims to address this unmet medical need by focusing on the mechanisms that enable cancer cells to adapt and spread, with the ultimate goal of transforming therapeutic approaches and improving patient care.