Once again, the SUR-SRP “Summer Research” program (July 3 to August 28), organized by the UNIL and the EPFL and supported by the ISREC Foundation, was a huge success. The students were thrilled to discover AGORA. We hope that this once-in-a-lifetime experience will open up new horizons for them.

The ISREC Foundation is pleased to announce the winners of the TANDEM 2025 call for projects, which this year focusses on digital pathology in cancer research. 

Six interdisciplinary teams were selected based on the scientific quality of their projects and a strong potential for clinical translation. Three are based in the French-speaking part of Switzerland, two in the German-speaking area and one in Ticino.

These projects, jointly led by a clinician and a basic research scientist, showcase the diversity of collaborations taking place across Switzerland and are in line with our goal of bringing science closer to patients.

Find out more about the winning teams and their projects here

26th edition of this race, organized by Team Girard.

Since 1998, the Club Team Girard, including owners, riders and fans of vintage motorcycles, organizes a yearly hill climb event for old-timers and donates part of the profits to the ISREC Foundation. 

For more information (in French) Team-Girard rétrospective de la course de Corcelles-le-Jorat

Congratulations to Prof. George Coukos, Director of the Oncology Department | UNIL-CHUV. He has recently been honored by the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) in recognition of his pioneering work in cancer immunotherapy. The ISREC Foundation is proud to collaborate with a scientist who embodies the spirit of translational innovation and is advancing the development of cancer treatments.

Link to the SITC’s website : Académie d’immuno-oncologie – Société d’immunothérapie du cancer (SITC)

Currently director of ISREC@EPFL, Elisa was the holder of the ISREC Foundation’s professorship in translational oncology from 2014 to 2020.

This election is recognition of her commitment to excellence in biomedical research.

For more information: Elisa Oricchio and Andrew Oates elected EMBO Members – EPFL

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Scientists at the University of Geneva and the CHUV (Lausanne University Hospital) have discovered that a certain set of immune cells, long considered merely auxiliary, can be reprogrammed to directly attack cancer cells. This promising breakthrough paves the way for faster and more effective personalized treatments, including for pediatric cancers.

The ISREC Foundation is proud to fund this important project, conducted jointly by Prof. Camilla Jandus, Francesco Ceppi – MD PD MERc, and Prof. George Coukos at the University of Geneva and the CHUV, the aim being to strengthen immunotherapies in the fight against cancer.

Our commitment to supporting translational research, which bridges the gap between the lab and the patient’s bedside, is fully reflected in this work.

Congratulations to the teams involved in this project, and many thanks to all who contribute to these developments! For more information: Cancer: «forgotten» cells go on the offensive – Medias – UNIGE

Find out more about our activities and the projects we support:

Link to the annual report 2024

For over six decades, we have pursued a single goal: the advancement of cancer research for the benefit of patients.

By supporting the most innovative projects, concentrating expertise and always keeping clinical impact in mind, we contribute to translating basic research into actual medical progress.

Thank you to the scientists, physicians, patrons, partners and friends who make this mission a reality.

Let us continue to push the boundaries for the future of medicine. 

Congratulations to Prof. Denis Migliorini and his co-authors Nicola Vannini, Helen Carrasco Hope and Jana de Sostoa on their publication, which sheds light on the largely unexplored role of cellular aging in CAR-T therapy.

Their work highlights the influence of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) metabolism on CAR-T cell performance, opening up new avenues for the optimization of these treatments for elderly patients.

Prof. Migliorini dedicates his academic research to innovations in the field of oncology, and the ISREC Foundation is a proud supporter of his work through his professorship. 

For more information Age-associated nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide decline drives CAR-T cell failure | Nature Cancer

Prof. Denis Migliorini 

Supports for students within the scope of the “Summer Research Program for Undergraduate Students” – EPFL School of Life Sciences, and in the “Summer Undergraduate Research Program” – Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne.

During eight weeks of hands-on training, the selected young biologists or physicians are given the chance to discover the world of research for the very first time. This is a rewarding experience and the opportunity to establish new contacts on an international level.

As the SUR/SRP Program celebrates its 20th anniversary, we are proud of our involvement in this undertaking and of our long-standing commitment to cultivating the talents of promising young professionals.

More information

Summer Research Program ‒ SV ‐ EPFL and About the SUR Programme UNIL