Putting the Med into translational medicine

Back in October 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Eureka Institute’s International Certificate Course in Translational Medicine in Syracuse, Sicily, as a Cancer Research UK ambassador. Alongside me were three Cancer Research UK-sponsored researchers, each chosen for their passion and curiosity in translational medicine. The week turned out to be nothing short of extraordinary.

Picture this: arriving in a charming historic town that seems plucked straight out of a storybook, with warm Mediterranean air gently guiding you to your hotel. The streets were bustling with people searching for desserts, shopping for handmade crafts, or simply strolling through the picturesque alleys. It was the perfect setting to kick off an inspiring week.

A truly comprehensive package

The programme offered a rich variety of activities that never ceased to keep the participants fully engaged and the room buzzing with enthusiastic discussions. Highlights included the grand debate, where participants were challenged to assume the roles of various stakeholders along the path of translating a scientific innovation and advocating for their priorities, and the multi-day case studies, where participants worked through highly applicable scenarios to discuss and address the challenges and complexities that arise in translational medicine. The agenda also featured panel discussions, one-to-one speed consultancy sessions, and insightful keynote talks. It was truly a comprehensive package with each activity offering new perspectives, valuable lessons and deeper connections.

Networking gets a rebrand

Evenings were certainly another highlight. Once the day’s sessions wrapped up, the cohort would disperse into the cobblestoned streets of Syracuse, ready to savour their next meal. Walking around, you’d see groups of researchers, faculty, and ambassadors sharing plates of exquisite Sicilian food, clinking glasses of local wine, and swaying to live music. The warm breeze from the Ionian Sea added an extra touch of magic to these evenings. “Networking” might need a rebrand after this experience.

Beyond the course, there were plenty of excursions to enjoy. From exploring the Neapolis Archaeological Park to cycling expeditions to the beach and sipping cocktails by the sea at sunset, the week struck a perfect balance between work and play. One particularly memorable highlight was starting the day with granita alla mandorla – a delightful almond ice paired with a soft brioche bun for breakfast. It certainly made me rethink my usual eggs-on-toast routine.

Forging their translational journey

As we wrapped up the week with a celebratory dinner, there were more than a few teary eyes around the room. But it’s comforting to know that this cohort – with their inside jokes, endless GIFs, and shared passion for science – will undoubtedly keep in touch and continue to seek advice from one another as they forge ahead in their translational journey.

I could not be more grateful to have spent the week getting to know the three Cancer Research UK participants better, learning about their interests and the grand ideas they are keen to bring into the world of innovation. I am extremely excited to see how they take what they’ve learned during their time here to apply it to various avenues of their work.

For anyone considering attending the Eureka course: do it! This is an experience that will challenge, inspire, and energise you. Just be prepared to leave a piece of your heart in Syracuse (and to develop a lifelong craving for granita alla mandorla).

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