From 15-18 June 2026, the University of Pau and the Pays de l’Adour (UPPA), a partner in the Interreg Atlantic Area-funded BOTS project, hosted a summer school in Biarritz and Anglet focused on biomaterials for 3D breast cancer models. The event brought together students, PhD students, early-career researchers, and experts around a common goal: exploring the potential of biomaterials for the development of 3D breast cancer models. <\/p>\n\n
The summer school offered a program combining scientific lectures, interdisciplinary discussions, and collaborative activities. Participants deepened their knowledge of 3D cell cultures, organoids, innovative biomaterials, and their potential applications in breast cancer research. <\/p>\n\n
A Melting Pot of Disciplines<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n For many participants, the event’s real value lay in the diversity of the attendees. Biologists, chemists, biomaterials specialists, and bioengineers compared their approaches and discovered new ways of working together. Post-doctoral researcher Upashi, whose work focuses on polymers in cancer research, described the chance to interact with researchers from different disciplines \u2014 \u00abespecially chemists and biologists\u00bb \u2014 as one of the most valuable aspects of the programme, alongside her interest in discovering 3D cell culture models for the first time. <\/p>\n\n Post-doctoral researcher Mario, who works with biomaterials, joined the summer school to \u00abdiscover perspectives from other scientific disciplines and spare his mind about the field\u00bb \u2014 and left with a single word to describe the experience: \u00ab inspiring \u00bb.<\/p>\n\n The Creathon: A Week’s Highlight<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n Among the week’s highlights, the \u00abCreathon\u00bb made a particularly strong impression. This collaborative exercise invited participants to devise innovative solutions using natural and marine biomaterials, encouraging creativity, teamwork, and the exchange of expertise. <\/p>\n\n Soumen, a post-doctoral researcher working on drug delivery systems for cancer therapy, called it the most inspiring part of the summer school: it \u00abchallenged participants to think creatively about new biomaterials and innovative solutions inspired by nature,\u00bb while working alongside people from different scientific backgrounds. For Upashi, the Creathon was above all a discovery \u2014 \u00aba unique opportunity to collaborate with participants from diverse backgrounds\u00bb and a great way to build a professional network. Mario agreed it was the most memorable activity of the programme, one that \u00abcomplemented the scientific lectures perfectly by offering a more interactive and dynamic learning experience.\u00bb <\/p>\n\n Learning<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n Speakers also praised the summer school’s friendly atmosphere. Dr. Mar\u00eda dM Vivanco, Group Leader of the Cancer Heterogeneity Lab at CicBiogune (Spain) and a specialist in the tumor microenvironment, noted that this format fosters more spontaneous exchanges between students and experts: informal discussions during breaks or meals, she explained, help build connections and share knowledge that goes beyond scientific presentations. Presenting to an audience spanning biology, cancer research, biomaterials, and engineering was a challenge, she added, but it is precisely that diversity that makes events like this so valuable. <\/p>\n\n PhD student Class Paul, who began his doctorate only six months ago, singled out the lectures by Pr Richard Iggo, Dr. Mar\u00eda Vivanco, and Dr. Jose Miguel Pardo as particularly insightful, and valued the informal discussions during coffee breaks just as much as the scientific sessions. He sums up his summer school in three words: \u00abhelpful, productive, and fun\u00bb. <\/p>\n\n Beyond the Lab: Building Networks and New Perspectives<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n Beyond the knowledge gained, participants left with new ideas, an expanded network, and a better understanding of the interactions between biomaterials and oncology research. Several noted the potential of natural and marine-derived biomaterials to offer innovative, less toxic solutions for patients \u2014 and to help reduce reliance on animal experimentation by providing more representative research models. <\/p>\n\n As Dr. Vivanco put it, events such as the BOTS Summer School are essential for training the next generation of researchers, creating opportunities for informal interactions that make scientific discussions more accessible.<\/p>\n\n This summer school fully embodies the ambition of the BOTS project: to foster European and interdisciplinary cooperation in order to develop innovative solutions for breast cancer research and personalized medicine.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" From 15-18 June 2026, the University of Pau and the Pays de l’Adour (UPPA), a partner in the Interreg Atlantic Area-funded BOTS project, hosted a summer school in Biarritz and Anglet focused on biomaterials for 3D breast cancer models. 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