Program

Tumor Heterogeneity & Microenvironment

Explores how genetic, epigenetic, and phenotypic diversity within tumors influences progression and therapy resistance. Focuses on interactions between cancer cells, stroma, and immune components, and how the microenvironment dynamically shapes tumor evolution, opening avenues for microenvironment-targeted therapies.

Cancer Cell Signaling & Metastasis

Addresses dysregulated signaling pathways that drive tumor growth, invasion, and dissemination. Highlights molecular mechanisms underlying metastasis and therapeutic resistance. Emphasis on integrative research combining signaling biology with novel anti-metastatic interventions to improve outcomes in advanced cancers.

Cancer Immunology & Vaccines

Covers immune evasion strategies of tumors, development of therapeutic and preventive cancer vaccines, and novel immunotherapies. Focuses on advances in immuno-oncology, checkpoint inhibition, and combinatorial approaches that strengthen immune surveillance and enhance durable cancer control.

Cancer Genomics, Proteomics & Proteogenomics

Showcases large-scale omics approaches that decode tumor biology and reveal biomarkers for precision oncology. Highlights proteogenomics linking genetic mutations with functional protein changes, providing deeper insights into tumor networks and therapeutic vulnerabilities.

Cancer Metabolism & Therapy

Examines metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells and therapeutic opportunities arising from metabolic vulnerabilities. Discusses novel drugs, small molecules, and combinatorial therapies targeting altered metabolism, aiming to overcome resistance and enhance treatment efficacy.

Data Analysis, AI & ML in Cancer

Focuses on computational innovations in genomics, imaging, and clinical data. Highlights AI and machine learning approaches for biomarker discovery, therapy prediction, and patient stratification, enabling translation of big data into actionable, patient-centered cancer solutions.

Patient Advocacy (Science & Society)

Centers on integrating patient perspectives into cancer research and care. Emphasizes advocacy for equitable access, science–society dialogue, and policymaking. Aims to strengthen collaboration among researchers, clinicians, patients, and stakeholders to align scientific priorities with real-world patient needs.

Dr. Lawrence Banks

Director-General – ICGEB,Trieste, Italy 
Research area:Molecular virology of human papillomaviruses and their role in cancer.

Prof. Kumaravel Somasundaram

Professor, Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, IISc Bengaluru, India
Research area:Molecular pathogenesis and therapeutic targets in glioblastoma.

Dr. Sagar Sengupta

Director,BRIC-NIBMG, Kalyani,
West Bengal, India
Research area: Genome integrity, tumor suppressors,
and oncogenic signaling 

Dr. Prashant Kumar

Datar Cancer Genetics
Research area: Proteogenomics and Cancer Biology

Dr. Ramesh Ummani

Sr. Principal Scientist, CSIR – IICT, Hyderabad, India
Research area:Cancer epigenetics and biomarker discovery.

Dr. Ritu Gupta

Professor, AIIMS – New Delhi, India
Research area: Hemato-oncopathology and cancer genomics

Dr. Sharmila Bapat

Director (Additional Charge), BRIC – NCCS,
Pune, India
Research area: Tumor heterogeneity, ovarian cancer stem cells and epigenetic regulation.

Dr. Shona Nag

Director-Oncology, Sahyadri Group of hospitals, Pune.

Research area: Breast Cancer

Dr. Sudeep Gupta

Professor (Med. Onco.) & Director, ACTREC,
Navi Mumbai, India
Research area:Clinical oncology with a focus
on breast and gynecological cancers.