2025/10/09

Bilbao, epicentre of cancer research at the 20th ASEICA International Congress

The city hosted the 20th edition of the ASEICA International Congress as part of the “Science Week”, bringing together more than 500 national and international researchers to share the latest advances in cancer research and outreach activities.

This week, Bilbao became the European capital of cancer research during the “Science Week” organised by the Spanish Association for Cancer Research (ASEICA). From 7th to 10th October, the city hosted a series of scientific and outreach activities, culminating in the 20th edition of the ASEICA International Congress, which brought together more than 500 researchers from Spain and abroad.

The congress, held at the iconic San Mamés Stadium, addressed the latest advances in oncology, from new diagnostic and treatment strategies to developments in immunotherapy, cell therapies, nanomedicine, and computational oncology. Sessions also focused on the tumour microenvironment, the identification of biomarkers and therapeutic targets, as well as the relationship between physical exercise and cancer.

Among the participants were renowned international researchers such as Johanna Joyce (University of Lausanne), Yardena Samuels (Weizmann Institute of Science), and Alberto Bardelli (IFOM–AIRC, Milan). Representing CIC bioGUNE, Arkaitz Carracedo played an active role as ASEICA Vice President and member of the organising committee, highlighting the importance of bringing science closer to society and promoting multidisciplinary collaboration in oncology.

In addition to the congress, ASEICA organised several parallel activities, including:

• ASEICA Joven, with the participation of around 200 early-career researchers.
• ASEICA Med, focused on medical oncologists.
• ASEICA Mujer, promoting gender equality and visibility for women scientists in cancer research.
• A public outreach event, “Science and Cancer: Looking to the Future”, featuring talks by leading experts and participation from Arkaitz Carracedo and Ana Ruiz-Sáenz, also group leader at CIC bioGUNE.
• A patient roundtable, organised in collaboration with the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC), aimed at strengthening dialogue between researchers and patients.

The congress also served as a platform for the presentation of research grants totalling €310,000, intended to support new oncology projects.

The choice of Bilbao as the venue for this international event reinforces the city’s role as a scientific and healthcare hub, consolidating its position as a benchmark in cancer research and in hosting major medical and scientific congresses.

For CIC bioGUNE, member of BRTA, the participation of its researchers in events of this magnitude underscores the centre’s commitment to scientific excellence and the transfer of knowledge to society, contributing to progress in cancer diagnosis and treatment.

About CIC bioGUNE

The Centre for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), member of the Basque Research & Technology Alliance (BRTA), located in the Bizkaia Technology Park, is a biomedical research organisation conducting cutting-edge research at the interface between structural, molecular and cell biology, with a particular focus on generating knowledge on the molecular bases of disease, for use in the development of new diagnostic methods and advanced therapies.

About BRTA

BRTA is an alliance of 4 collaborative research centres (CIC bioGUNE, CIC nanoGUNE, CIC biomaGUNE y CIC energiGUNE) and 13 technology centres (Azterlan, Azti, Ceit, Cidetec, Gaiker, Ideko, Ikerlan, Leartiker, Lortek, Neiker, Tecnalia, Tekniker y Vicomtech) with the main objective of developing advanced technological solutions for the Basque corporate fabric.

With the support of the Basque Government, the SPRI Group and the Provincial Councils of the three territories, the alliance seeks to promote collaboration between the research centres, strengthen the conditions to generate and transfer knowledge to companies, contributing to their competitiveness and outspreading the Basque scientific-technological capacity abroad.

BRTA has a workforce of 3,500 professionals, executes 22% of the Basque Country's R&D investment, registers an annual turnover of more than 300 million euros and generates 100 European and international patents per year.

Spanish version