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🔬 #KeepResearchCurious | Why Basic Research Matters
On March 25, 2025, I had the opportunity to attend a thought-provoking virtual webinar titled “Why Basic Research Matters” hosted by the European Association for Cancer Research (EACR). This event was part of the #KeepResearchCurious initiative, which aims to spotlight the indispensable role of curiosity-driven, fundamental research in shaping the future of cancer science.
🎙 Meet the Panel of Experts
The 60-minute session brought together an exceptional lineup of internationally renowned scientists, each bringing their unique perspective to the conversation:
🔹 Dr Helen Rippon, Chief Executive of Worldwide Cancer Research, shared insights from over two decades in the field. Her leadership has consistently championed the importance of funding discovery research.
🔹 Prof Alberto Bardelli, Scientific Director of IFOM and Secretary General of the EACR, highlighted how fundamental discoveries in genomics and tumor profiling have laid the groundwork for personalized therapies. His work bridges the gap between lab research and clinical breakthroughs.
🔹 Dr Sophie Postel-Vinay, Physician Scientist at Gustave Roussy and EACR Board Member, discussed her research in chromatin remodeling, DNA repair, and how basic science continues to fuel therapeutic advances, especially in solid tumor models.
🔹 Dr Matheus dos Santos Dias, Senior Scientist at the Netherlands Cancer Institute and Chair of the EACR Early-Career Researchers’ Council, emphasized how his team is using innovative approaches like hyperactivation of oncogenic signaling to outsmart resistance in cancer cells.
Moderated by Alexandra Boitor, Scientific Officer at the EACR, the conversation was rich, engaging, and full of forward-thinking reflections.
💡 Why This Conversation Matters
The panel discussed how unstructured, curiosity-driven research has historically led to many of the breakthroughs that modern cancer treatments rely on. While translational and clinical research often make the headlines, it’s the basic research — sometimes done without immediate application — that paves the way for these headlines to even exist.
One of the most compelling parts of the event was hearing about:
- The evolving landscape of cancer research funding
- The strategic importance of investing in long-term discovery science
- How the scientific community can better advocate for the value of fundamental research
The Q&A segment allowed attendees to submit and upvote questions, making it a truly collaborative and open forum.
👥 A Global, Open Conversation
What made this event particularly special was that it was open to everyone, regardless of academic or research background. Whether you’re a scientist, student, policymaker, or simply someone passionate about science, the webinar was an invitation to reflect on the essential role of basic science in solving some of the world’s biggest health challenges.
🌍 Join the Movement – Keep Research Curious
The EACR’s commitment to supporting cancer researchers through funding, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing was evident throughout the event. Their mission deeply resonates with me, and I’m considering joining this inspiring community to stay connected and continue learning.
If you missed the event, I highly encourage you to catch the recording or check out the EACR’s future webinars and initiatives. Basic research is not just the past of cancer research — it’s the future.
Let’s keep research curious. 🚀
