The CANVAS Project Final Conference, titled “Enhancing Cancer Vaccine Science for New Therapy Pathways”, took place on 10–11 March 2026 at the International Centre for Cancer Vaccine Science, University of Gdańsk, in Gdańsk. The event brought together approximately 90 participants, including researchers and project partners from Italy, France, Netherlands and Poland, creating a truly international environment for scientific exchange.

The conference was officially opened by the Rector of the University of Gdańsk, prof. Piotr Stepnowski, followed by an introduction to the CANVAS project delivered by prof. Natalia Marek-Trzonkowska. The scientific programme featured four thematic sessions covering Cancer Models, Cancer Immunology, Cancer Biology and Microenvironment, and Open Science. Presentations addressed cross cutting topics such as 3D tumor models, immune mechanisms in cancer progression, tumor microenvironment interactions, and innovative approaches in translational oncology and cancer immunotherapy.

One of the element of the conference was the Poster Session, which provided a platform for early- career researchers to present their work and engage with international experts. A total of 15 posters were presented. The award for the Best Poster was granted to Marta Ryś for the presentation entitled “c-Myc and HER2 status in breast cancer cells determines their sensitivity to the proapoptotic effects of C 2028.” An honourable mention was awarded to Agata Grzybowska for the poster “Cross-talk between FGF/FGFR and the Hippo signalling pathways mediates tamoxifen resistance in luminal BCa cells.”

The event concluded with a summary session and award ceremony, highlighting the achievements of the CANVAS project and emphasizing the importance of continued collaboration in advancing cancer vaccine science. The conference provided an excellent opportunity for knowledge exchange, networking, and strengthening international partnerships in the field of oncology.

We would like to express our gratitude to all invited speakers for their presentations and valuable contributions, as well as to all participants for their active engagement and for creating a dynamic and collaborative atmosphere throughout the conference.

For more information, photos and documents please go here.

This activity has contributed to the tasks planned in the Horizon Europe project CANVAS (GA 101079510).