Post by Olivia Thomas

Two weeks ago, I had the opportunity to take part in the sixth annual Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) programme as part of the Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) in Biochemistry and Pharmacology. This initiative brought together students from the University of Surrey, Université Paris-Saclay, Universidad CEU San Pablo and Universitetet i Bergen (University of Bergen), giving us the chance to collaborate internationally, develop a joint research project, and present at the international conference. Over the past few months, our group, Ariane Fort, Felipe Hernández Marín, Laura D.M. Rico, Marlene Zach, Gadea Rodríguez Sanz, and I, focused on Neuroblastoma, one of the most challenging paediatric cancers. Neuroblastoma accounts for 15% of childhood cancer deaths, and high‑risk cases have a survival rate below 50%, largely due to aggressive genetic drivers like MYCN amplification and ALK mutations. These features make it a disease where new therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. For me, this project aligned perfectly with my research aspirations in cancer biology, precision oncology, and translational therapeutics. Exploring how MYCN and ALK shape tumour behaviour, and evaluating treatments such as lorlatinib, ¹³¹I‑MIBG radiotherapy, and CAR‑T cell therapy, reinforced my motivation to pursue postgraduate studies in cancer and contribute to research that can directly improve outcomes for patients with high‑risk cancers. I’m incredibly grateful to our supervisors, Aase Raddum, Lars Herfindal, and Quynh Bao Truong Le, for their guidance, encouragement, and expertise throughout the project. Their support made this experience both academically enriching and personally inspiring. I also want to express my sincere appreciation to my team members. I learned a great deal from your diverse strengths, and it was a privilege to collaborate with you! Thank you to all the organisers and partner universities for running such a rewarding, well‑structured and collaborative programme. It’s been a privilege to represent the University of Surrey, and I’d highly recommend the COIL-BIP experience!!