I am Harun Efe Bozaslan, a master’s student in the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics at Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Türkiye, and an early-career researcher whose scientific interests focus on cancer biology and tumor–immune system interactions.
As part of the IMMUNO-MODEL COST Action, I had the opportunity to undertake a Short-Term Scientific Mission (STSM) at Jagiellonian University in Poland, where I developed three-dimensional (3D) spheroid models of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) to investigate the interactions between cancer cells and primary and secondary T cells. Throughout this research experience, I explored tumor–immune interactions under different experimental conditions by comparing breast cancer cell models with distinct characteristics against their wild-type (WT) counterparts. I also gained valuable hands-on experience in establishing T-cell co-culture models, optimizing experimental conditions, and applying immunological analysis techniques, including flow cytometry. This research visit was far more than an opportunity to acquire new laboratory techniques and strengthen my technical skills. Exchanging knowledge and experiences with researchers from diverse scientific backgrounds, approaching shared research questions from different perspectives, and contributing to an interdisciplinary research environment broadened my scientific outlook and played a meaningful role in my development as a researcher. Beyond the laboratory, experiencing Kraków’s rich academic heritage, history, and cultural atmosphere made this journey truly memorable, both professionally and personally.
My experience through IMMUNO-MODEL reinforced my belief that science is a universal endeavor that transcends geographical boundaries. Meaningful scientific progress is driven not only by individual discoveries but also by international collaborations where knowledge is openly shared, diverse perspectives inspire one another, and a shared passion for discovery brings researchers together.
Some of the photos from Kraków
