Issue 08 | October 2026 Newsletter

Issue 08 | October 2026 Newsletter

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01. Past Activities

Laptop showing participants of an online webinar
Webinar 11: Patient Webinar: Immunotherapy in Cancer – How It Works and Why Challenges Remain

The video of the webinar entitled: “Patient Webinar: Immunotherapy in Cancer – How It Works and Why Challenges Remain” can be viewed here:

Final IMMUNO-model Annual Conference: Building Bridges in Cancer Immunotherapy Modelling

The Final IMMUNO-model Annual Conference “Building Bridges in Cancer Immunotherapy Modelling” was held in Slovenia in May 2026, bringing together project partners, researchers, clinicians, industry representatives, and other stakeholders involved in advancing preclinical cancer models in immunology research. The event marked the culmination of the IMMUNO-model project and provided an opportunity to present the project’s key achievements, share scientific results, and discuss future directions in the development and application of advanced preclinical immuno-oncology models.

02. Announcements

Scientists in lab coats looking at a tablet
02.1 IMMUNO-model members database

Are you looking for collaborators or partners for your scientific activities? The IMMUNO-model Members Database allows you to connect with experts across Europe and beyond working in the field of immuno-oncology models.

02.2 IMMUNO-model – Knowledge Hub

The Knowledge Hub Task Force was established to create an open-access repository for experimental protocols related to immuno-oncology models, supporting innovation, reproducibility and standardization in the field. To date, five open-access experimental protocols have been collected and made available to the research community.

You can review the 5 high-quality protocols relevant to immune-oncology research, search for experts in the field or contribute to a growing community. Protocols are also available through the IMMUNO-model Knowledge Hub at www.osf.io. Simply register and login to explore the IMMUNO-model collection of protocols, designed to support knowledge sharing and transfer.

02.3 Patients Engagement Task Force

The Patient Engagement Task Force of the COST Action IMMUNO-model, led by Vice-Chair Leticia Oliveira-Ferrer, has brought together scientists, healthcare providers, patients and representatives of cancer patient organisations to strengthen patient involvement in immunotherapy research and implementation. This initiative has fostered dialogue between patients and researchers, helping to bridge the gap between cutting-edge science and patient-centred care. IMMUNO-model has been committed to creating clear, accessible educational materials that explain immunotherapies and the goals of our COST Action. A dedicated Patient Information section was set-up to support this effort, on the IMMUNO-model website, where an explanatory flyer as well as two videos explaining the immune system and its role for cancer immunotherapy were created for patients. These resources have been designed to empower patients with knowledge and have been disseminated through channels that effectively reach diverse audiences.

02.4 EFIS-IL Study Group on Human-Relevant Immuno-Oncology Models (HARMONY)

The EFIS-IL Study Group on Human-Relevant Immuno-Oncology Models (HARMONY) has been established as a continuation of the scientific network and collaborative activities developed within IMMUNO-model. The proposal was submitted by Lukasz Skalniak and Catarina Rodrigues, WG1/3 Co-Leader and TGRC2 co-leader, respectively supported by the IMMUNO-model Core Group. The group aims to maintain and expand connections between researchers working on immuno-oncology models, fostering knowledge exchange, joint activities, and future collaborations beyond the lifetime of the COST Action. Importantly, its integration within the EFIS framework provides a valuable opportunity to sustain this network within the broader European immunology community, strengthen interaction with EFIS and its member societies, and increase the visibility and reach of the group’s activities. Through dedicated scientific meetings and other collaborative initiatives, HARMONY will support continued exchange across the network while promoting the development, harmonization, and wider adoption of human-relevant immuno-oncology models across Europe.

If you would like to join HARMONY please contact Catarina Rodrigues: crodrigues@ipatimup.pt, or Lukasz Skalniak: lukasz.skalniak@uj.edu.pl

02.5 IMMUNO-model Booklet

The IMMUNO-model Core Group has created a booklet showcasing the achievements, impact, and legacy of our COST Action. The booklet provides an overview of all activities carried out throughout the Action, together with photographs from events, key outcomes, and heartfelt testimonials from participants.

02.6 Annual Reports

The annual reports produced throughout the four years of the IMMUNO-model COST Action provide a comprehensive overview of activities, achievements, outputs, and impact.

03. Explore our videos and communication campaigns

Professional video camera on a tripod

04. Digital materials

Person typing on a laptop

IMMUNO-model COST Action participants can make use of the Action logos and a power point template for presentations! Please go to the Members Area of our website to log in or register (www.immuno-model.eu/login). You will receive a link (please check your spam folder if you don’t receive an email) to set your password and after that you should be able to start using the intranet and download the materials as needed.

05. Follow us on social media platforms

06. End of the COST Action IMMUNO-model

Team of researchers working together in a laboratory

As IMMUNO-model draws to a close, we can proudly reflect on the achievement of its core objectives: fostering international connections among researchers, broadening scientific and cultural perspectives, and, most importantly, building lasting collaborations that will continue to strengthen the research community well beyond the lifetime of the COST Action.

The IMMUNO-model Core Group would like to sincerely thank all members for their dedication, contributions, and active participation throughout the past four years. Your engagement has played a fundamental role in the success of IMMUNO-model and has helped establish a vibrant and sustainable network that will continue to thrive through future collaborations and initiatives.

Although the COST Action is coming to an end, the connections, knowledge, and partnerships developed through IMMUNO-model will continue to support innovation in immuno-oncology research for years to come.

Latest Updates

Title of VM Grant: Refining scripts and workflows for high-throughput automated robotic screening for immunotherapiesCandidate: Hanne Haslene-Hox, SINTEF Description of the work carried out during the VM The Virtual Mobility...
IMMUNO-model has released its Achievements, Impact and Legacy Booklet, summarising the work, results and lasting impact of the COST Action CA21135.
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...
Even as the IMMUNOmodel action approaches its conclusion at the end of this month, we’re still going strong and working hard to share valuable resources with our community! 💪 We’re...
Protocol Exchange and Harmonisation of Multiparametric Flow Cytometry Panels for Ovarian Cancer Immune Monitoring  Start and end date: 17/8/2026 to 21/8/2026 Description of the work carried out during the STSM...

Join us

How to Participate

The COST Action IMMUNO-model welcomes research-active scientists working in the field.

How to Get Involved

  • Read the Project Description MoU;
  •  Inform the Main Proposer/Chair of your interest (email);
  • Apply to join your Working Groups of interest;
  • You will be informed by the working group leaders as soon as your application has been reviewed;
  • Please note, Management Committee nominations are carried out through the COST National Contact Points.

How to participate in an existing Action?

If you would like to join this COST Action please ensure that you read the guidance notes published on the COST website. You can find full documentation regarding general rules and guidelines for COST Actions at www.cost.eu/participate.

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