Conference venue: Queen Elizabeth II Centre in London, United Kingdom. Conference start and end date: 10/12/2025 to 12/12/2025

Title of the presentation: Blocking Dopamine D2 Receptors Induces Anti-Cancer and Immune Stimulatory Effects in Ex Vivo Patient-Derived Tumour Slice Models of Ovarian Cancer

Type of the presentation: poster

Co-authors: Maria Edwards, Pablo Caruana, Mireia Escar, Jose Luis Corchero, Maria Virtudes Céspedes Other details of the presentation: Presented during the Poster Sesion

Outcome of the conference participation: The congress advanced my academic growth and scientific network greatly. The sessions were excellent, covering the latest findings in immunotherapy approaches, such as CTLA-4/PD-1 blockades, novel bispecific and tri-specific modalities, CAR-T therapy and cancer vaccines.

The opportunity to present my work was also hugely beneficial; multiple ambassadors from industry were very interested in my work, particularly the use of ex vivo tumour slices for drug discovery, and through these interactions I made new contacts. I also had the opportunity to speak to other students who were utilising similar scientific techniques, and we were able to share our knowledge and experience with one another.I am very grateful to COST Action and Immuno-model for their generous support which has allowed me to learn more deeply about immunotherapies, share my knowledge and work on novel immunological models, and further connect with the international scientific community

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

On 23 April 2026, we had the pleasure of welcoming a large audience of cancer patients, relatives, caregivers, researchers, and patient advocates to our webinar on cancer immunotherapy.

The webinar provided an introduction to the immune system and immunotherapy, discussed current challenges and treatment approaches, and highlighted the importance of patient involvement in shaping future cancer research and therapies.

We would like to sincerely thank our moderator and speakers for their excellent presentations, and all participants for their interest.

Whether you missed the live session or would like to revisit the discussion, you can watch the recording by following this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dhtEFwaeY4

This step-by-step protocol details how to study cell invasion and chemotaxis in 3D using the IC-chip organ-on-chip platform — a flexible and reproducible New Approach Method (NAM) for quantifying tumour–immune interactions and drug responses.

Interested in integrating cell-culture-on-chip modelling into your research?
Contact Devrim Pesen Okvur for collaboration opportunities.

We are delighted to announce the Final IMMUNO-model Annual Conference – Building Bridges in Cancer Immunotherapy Modelling, where we will celebrate the culmination of four years dedicated to fostering research and innovation in the field of preclinical immuno-oncology models. This event will bring together researchers, clinicians and industry partners, to exchange insights and celebrate the achievements of IMMUNO-model community.

The conference will include a scientific program with lectures and poster presentations, as well as
roundtable discussions and opportunities for face-to-face meetings with industry. These interactions
aim to facilitate new collaborations and accelerate the translation of fundamental immuno-oncology
research into treatment advances for patients.

The conference will also host the TGRC Symposium, which will explore gender from both a scientific
and a structural perspective, featuring sessions on gender equality in research and clinical practice, the impact of sex differences on immunology and immunotherapy, and the relevance of incorporating
gender into advanced experimental models. The programme includes invited expert talks, a panel
discussion, and an industry pitching and networking session designed to foster interaction and new
opportunities for collaboration.

The final conference agenda – featuring keynote speakers, invited talks, and short presentations across seven sessions – is now available here.

Book of Abstracts is now available here.

If you would like to join us online please follow this link: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/336034053048276?p=F3Ob9o937OBjaLLC6K

Meeting Venue National Institute of Biology (NIB)l, 121 Večna pot, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia,
https://www.nib.si/eng/

GOOGLEMAPS: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Hy3uhgaKoeRb4Xmb6

The National Institute of Biology (NIB) is a leading public research institute in the field of biology and
related natural and environmental sciences in Slovenia.

Reimbursement Speakers and abstract presenters will be eligible for travel reimbursement subject to budget availability and in line with COST Travel Reimbursement Rules (https://www.cost.eu/uploads/2025/11/COST-TRR-Rules-2025-2026.pdf). Priority will be given to IMMUNO-model COST Action members. Successful participants will be notified by 6th of April 2026.

Key Dates

Registration opens: 19/01/2026 – 20/03/2026
Deadline for in-person final registration: 06/04/2026
Deadline for online registration: 06/04/2026
Deadline for Abstract submission: 19/01/2026 – 20/03/2026
Decision and notification of Abstract and reimbursement acceptance: 06/04/2026

TIPS FOR TRAVEL

TRANSPORT

Coming from Jože Pučnik (Brnik) Ljubljana airport:
Buses: https://www.lju-airport.si/en/transport/bus/
you can book it in advance: https://www.nomago.si/en/shuttle/ljubljana-airport
GoOpti shuttle: https://www.goopti.com/en/
Train station in Ljubljana: https://www.visitljubljana.com/en/poi/ljubljana-railway-station/
Transport in the city of Ljubljana:
Walk, rent a bike https://www.visitljubljana.com/en/visitors/travel-information/gettingaround/bicikelj/
For the city bus (LPP) you can use Urbana app, you can get Urbana card or you can simply pay with
your credit card on the bus: https://www.lpp.si/en/payment-methods

RECOMMENDED PLACES TO STAY

ČAD

GOSTILNA, HOTEL, BISTRO ČAD
Cesta na Rožnik 18, 1000 Ljubljana
Contact: https://hotel-cad.si/
walking distance to NIB: 1,8 km/23 min
driving distance to NIB: 1,8 km/2 min
Bus (LPP): line no. 18
walking distance to city centre: 30 min
driving distance to city centre: 3,2 km/10 min

Tivoli boutique inn

Žibertova 15, 1000 Ljubljana
Slovenia | Europe
+386 (0) 59 731 731
info@tivoliboutiqueinn.com
https://tivoliboutiqueinn.com/index.html
walking distance to NIB: 5 km/48 min
driving distance to NIB: 5 km/12 min
Bus (LPP): line no. 18
walking distance to city centre: 20 min
driving distance to city centre: 2 km/ 5 min

InterContinental Ljubljana

Slovenska cesta 59 Ljubljana 1000
Contact: https://www.ihg.com/intercontinental/hotels/us/en/ljubljana/ljuha/hoteldetail
walking distance to NIB: 4.3 km/51 min
driving distance to NIB: 4,3 km/10 min
Bus (LPP): several+ line no. 18, 19 min
walking distance to city centre: 10 min
driving distance to city centre: 1 km/5 min

Cityhotel Ljubljana

Dalmatinova ulica 15, 1000 Ljubljana
Contact: https://www.cityhotel.si/en/
walking distance to NIB: 3.7 km/51 min
driving distance to NIB: 4,5 km/11 min
Bus (LPP): several+ line no. 18, 19 min
walking distance to city centre: 1 min
driving distance to city centre: 100 m/1 min

Hotel Slon Ljubljana

Slovenska cesta 34 Ljubljana 1000 Slovenia
Contact: https://www.hotelslon.com/
walking distance to NIB: 4.8 km/44 min
driving distance to NIB: 4,8 km/13 min
Bus (LPP) line no. 18: 16 min
walking distance to city centre: 3min

Four Points by Sheraton Ljubljana Mons

Pot za Brdom 4, Ljubljana, 1000 Slovenia
Contact: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/ljufp-four-points-ljubljana-mons/overview/
walking distance to NIB: 1,9 km/27 min
driving distance to NIB: 3,1 km/6 min
Bus (LPP)/walking distance to city centre: 1h

CONTACTS FOR MORE INFORMATION

Barbara Breznik; barbara.brenzik@nib.si
Metka Novak; metka.novak@nib.si