Post by Laura D.M. Rico

I’m delighted to share that I took part in the sixth annual Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) programme as part of the Blended Intensive Programme in Biochemistry and Pharmacology. Working alongside students from the University of Surrey, Université Paris-Saclay, Universidad CEU San Pablo, and the Universitetet i Bergen (University of Bergen), our international team developed and presented a research case study on high-risk neuroblastoma, a challenging paediatric cancer that continues to require more effective, personalised treatment strategies. For my oral presentation, I focused on the patient’s genetic profile and its clinical importance. I discussed how MYCN amplification drives aggressive tumour behaviour by promoting proliferation and limiting differentiation, contributing to a greater risk of relapse. I also presented the significance of the ALK R1275Q activating mutation, which creates a constitutively active receptor tyrosine kinase and, importantly, provides a directly actionable therapeutic target. This experience strengthened my confidence in communicating complex scientific concepts orally to an international audience, while also deepening my interest in cancer biology, translational research, and precision medicine. A huge thank you to my wonderful teammates, Ariane Fort, Felipe Hernández Marín, Gadea Rodríguez Sanz, Marlene Zach and Olivia Thomas, for such an enjoyable and collaborative experience. I am also very grateful to our supervisors, Aase Raddum, Lars Herfindal and Quynh Bao Truong Le, for their guidance and encouragement throughout the project. #biochemistry #internationalconference #research #scientificresearch #neuroblastoma