IMMUNO-model Workshop: Harmonizing In Vivo Models of Immunotherapy – Past, Present and Future Directions (WG2) took place on 7–8 April 2025 in Bergen, Norway, bringing together 53 participants in a hybrid format to discuss in vivo models for immunotherapy. The event focused on the goals of Working Group 2 (WG2): advancing preclinical models, fostering data sharing, and strengthening translational collaboration in immuno-oncology.
The workshop opened with welcome remarks from WG2 Leader Emmet Mc Cormack and featured an engaging scientific program with excellent presentations from early-career and senior researchers. Speakers addressed diverse topics, including zebrafish and canine companion models, humanized mice, nanoparticle delivery systems and bone marrow organoids. The workshop effectively showcased a broad range of in vivo immunotherapy models enabling participants to reflect on common strengths and limitations such as predictive power, clinical relevance, and translational potential. Invited speakers included Rita Fior (Portugal), Johanne Jacobsen (Norway), and Enni Markkanen (Switzerland), whose presentations highlighted innovative approaches and future directions in modeling immune responses to cancer.
Sessions were moderated by Emmet Mc Cormack, Calum Leitch, and Vibeke Samuelsen Fosse (University of Bergen), and included contributions from academia, clinical institutions, and industry. Poster sessions and coffee breaks provided additional opportunities for networking and collaboration. Virtual participants engaged via Zoom live streams and chat function, which enabled interaction and exchanges throughout the sessions.
Day 2 featured a recap of key insights and a strategic planning session focused on defining WG2 objectives and identifying common challenges in in vivo modeling for immunotherapy. The engaging discussions also offered a valuable opportunity for both early-career and senior researchers to openly reflect on the challenges and opportunities of academic career development, leading to meaningful insights and new connections.
The workshop successfully strengthened the IMMUNO-model network, encouraged new collaborations, and laid the groundwork for a joint WG2 publication.
Feedback of participant:
“The workshop was extremely well organised.
Most of the talks were very very interesting, with a large input from female presenters and from early career presenters.
Discussion was very good both officially during the workshop and informally during the evening out and the breaks. Maybe a small negative – the signposting to the workshop on the first day was small and I missed it and walked right past it – luckily a helpful student brought us directly to the building ( we were already very close)..”
We thank the organizers Prof. Emmet Mc Cormack, Calum Leitch and Zinayida Fandalyuk from University of Bergen, Norway, for their great work and effort!