Using syngeneic mouse tumor models, we investigated how electrochemotherapy reshapes the tumor microenvironment and influences anti-tumor immune responses. In addition, I shared my expertise in electrochemotherapy and provided practical training on the implementation of electrochemotherapy protocols.

This exchange facilitated bidirectional knowledge transfer, strengthened the collaboration between IPBS Toulouse and the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, and created new opportunities for future joint research projects.

During my two-month STSM at IPBS Toulouse, I gained hands-on experience in spectral flow cytometry and intravital microscopy for studying immune responses following electrochemotherapy.

Using syngeneic mouse tumor models, we investigated how electrochemotherapy reshapes the tumor microenvironment and influences anti-tumor immune responses. In addition, I shared my expertise in electrochemotherapy and provided practical training on the implementation of electrochemotherapy protocols.

This exchange facilitated bidirectional knowledge transfer, strengthened the collaboration between IPBS Toulouse and the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, and created new opportunities for future joint research projects.

I am Norbert Nass, investigator at Brandenburg Medical School (MHB), Institute of Pathology in Brandenburg / Havel, Germany. Our major research topic is biomarker development for the prediction of therapy success, mostly for gynecological cancers. In this short-term scientific mission in Daniela Costea´s laboratory in Bergen (Norway), I had the opportunity to get trained in the establishment of organotypic models (3D-OTC) for squamous cell carcinomas of head and neck or vulva and cervix. The learnt techniques will be transferred to our laboratory and will enable us to develop more physiologically relevant models to understand the interaction of tumor cells with the cells of their microenvironment. The established contacts to Daniela´s group and the researchers of the Center for Biomarker Research of Bergen will help us in the establishment of collaborative research projects with the members of the Immuno-Model COST-action and beyond. I really enjoyed the stay and thank the members of the host laboratory and the COST action for this opportunity.

Simona Katrin Galun, National institute of biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Start and end date: 16/02/2026 to 17/04/2026

I am Ana Margarida Carvalho, a PhD student at i3S – Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, and ICBAS Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (Universidade do Porto, Portugal), where I am working on an immune-competent in vitro model of chronic liver disease based on biomaterials and hepatic cells. Through a Short-Term Scientific Mission from the IMMUNO-model COST action, I joined the University Medical Center Groningen (the Netherlands) to work with patient-derived human liver organoids aiming at increasing the physiological relevance of my in vitro disease model. It was an extraordinary opportunity, both on personal and professional levels! I am very grateful to the IMMUNO-model COST action for supporting this research stay.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/margaridafcarv
X: @margaridafcarv

Figures and tables of some experimental results were presented in the STSM scientific report.

The experimental protocols used in this STSM have been previously published [1,2]; no new protocols were developed during the course of this STSM. Nevertheless, if required by the Grant Awarding Coordinator, I may submit the protocols for the IMMUNO-model Knowledge Hub.

References:
[1] Broutier, L., et al., Culture and establishment of self-renewing human and mouse adult liver and pancreas 3D organoids and their genetic manipulation. Nature Protocols, 2016. 11(9): p. 1724–1743.
[2] Huch, M., et al., Long-Term Culture of Genome-Stable Bipotent Stem Cells from Adult Human Liver. Cell, 2015. 160(1): p. 299–312.

Visit to a host organization located in a different country than the country of affiliation by a researcher or innovator for specific work to be carried out and for a determined period of time.

VM: Virtual Mobility

Collaboration in a virtual setting among researchers or innovators within the IMMUNO-model COST Action, to exchange knowledge, learn new techniques, etc.

DC: Dissemination Conference

Funds an oral presentation by an Action Participant of the work of IMMUNO-model COST Action in a high-level conference fully organized by a third party, i.e. not organized nor co-organized by IMMUNO-model.

ITC: Inclusiveness Targeted Countries Conference

Funds an oral presentation of their own work within the scope of IMMUNO-model COST Action by an Action Participant affiliated to a legal entity located in an Inclusiveness Target Country / Near Neighbour Country in a high-level conference fully organized by a third party, i.e. not organized nor co-organized by IMMUNO-model.

YRI: Young Researchers and Innovators Conference

Funds a poster/oral presentation of their own work by a Young Researcher and Innovator (YRI = below 40 years old) in a high-level conference fully organized by a third party, i.e. not organized nor co-organized by IMMUNO-model.

Am I eligible? https://www.cost.eu/am-i-eligible/
Annotated Rules FAQ: https://www.cost.eu/cost-actions/annotated-rules-qa/

For details please visit: https://www.immuno-model.eu/mobility-grants/

STSM contact:
Grant Awarding Coordinator
Dr. Philippe Bertrand

LinkedIn: @itspaulofaria / X: @itspaulofaria