Our network has provided 15 early-stage researchers (ESRs) with high quality scientific training involving the integration of multiple newly emerging and state-of-the-art disciplines. After their PhD degree, our trainees will be ready to embark on careers in academic, clinical, business, or social organizational environments. In addition to technical training in advanced state-of-the-art methodology relevant to the projects (Seahorse methodology by Agilent, metabolomics by Technion, and biostatistics by VIB), META-CAN has incorporated diverse aspects that qualify the students for the impending future of international science-based society. Skills such as Communication and Creativity have been enhanced through participation in our network events and the dedicated trainings offered by our partner organizations (Cancéropôle and BIOcomuniCA’T). The ESRs have also been exposed to other important aspects such as gender policies, ethics in research, and research partnership. Entrepreneurship and business training have been enhanced through a dedicated complementary training by a top-rated Business School (ESADE), but also thanks to contact with our institution’s Technology Transfer Offices and the rest of non-academic beneficiaries of the project. METACAN has also provided ESRs with an invaluable personal network of contacts and collaborators, including non-academic specialists from the commercial, non-profit, clinical, and publishing disciplines (Nature Publishing Group and The FEBS Journal), which will benefit their employability.
In terms of research progress, all project deliverables have been submitted and despite the experienced risks (mainly the outbreak of COVID-19), thanks to the mitigation measures implemented, all ESRs have been able to satisfactory accomplish most objectives proposed in their research plan. Many of the results obtained have already been published in top-rated journals (such as PNAS, Nature Cancer or Cell Metabolism). The rest of the results are now being prepared for publication in Open Access journals. Due to sensitive results (some results are being evaluated by the respective institutional IPR experts as well as the consortium IPR committee), we will not be able to make them public until they are published in peer-reviewed journals and/or patents are filled.
We have also participated in multiple outreach activities, including some activities together with other ITNs, to improve visibility of European funded research among the public. Some of our ESRs have also been involved in educational activities, such as organization of courses and giving seminars to high school students. We have organized two international meetings with high attendance that have benefitted the European Research area. The first one was in Nice during April 2018 (C3M META-CAN Inflammation & Disease Symposium) with several keynote speakers and over 200 attendees. The second one was in Leuven in September 2019 (Mouse and organomimetic models of cancer and bioinformatics approaches in research) with around 50 attendees and many relevant talks on the topic. We have also organized an international EMBO Workshop (Cancer Immunometabolism) as our final event which will take place in November 2021 in Sitges, Barcelona.
