The Cancer Researcher Podcast

Freeing Scientists to Explore: The Role of Curiosity in Cancer Research

Tune in for a journey through the unexpected. In this episode we unravel the magic of curiosity-driven research in revolutionising cancer breakthroughs.
Join us with our guests Prof. Ruth Palmer (Sweden), Professor Daniel Peeper (Netherlands) and Professor Iwona Lugowska (Poland) as we explore captivating stories, from DNA sequencing to unexpected discoveries in tyrosine phosphorylation. Discover why nurturing curiosity is crucial and how it shapes the future of cancer research and treatment.
Note: Iwona joined us from a windy outside location, so we apologise for the variations in sound quality!
Access transcripts for all our episodes at magazine.eacr.org/podcast.

Make your research count: increasing the impact of your research beyond publication impact factor

What does it really take to move the needle in cancer research? In this episode, we discuss with three experts how to conduct impactful research. We define what constitutes impact and examine how to measure and increase it for your research. We also explore conveying impact in grant applications, and the role of public engagement and patient advocacy.
Access transcripts for all our episodes at magazine.eacr.org/podcast.

Grant Applications: How to Stand out

Join us as we delve deeper into the world of grant applications, continuing the conversation we started in episode 4, 'Let's Talk About Grant Applications'. Our discussion not only unravels the intricacies of the grant writing process but also shines a light on the often-overlooked aspects of the interview stage.
Discover the keys to success as we explore topics such as the significance of presenting groundbreaking ideas, the art of cultivating an outstanding track record (and strategies for building one), and much more. Tune in to unlock the secrets that will empower you to craft compelling grant proposals that truly stand out from the crowd.
Our guests for this episode are Dr. Arianna Baggiolini, a talented early-career principal investigator, Prof. Greg Hannon, an experienced senior researcher, and Dr. Ryan Schoenfeld, the leader of the well-known funding body The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research.
Access transcripts for all our episodes at magazine.eacr.org/podcast.

Building Networks

In this episode we explore the importance of networking in research. Dr. Rege Russness, Professor at the University of Oslo, and Dr. Lisa Hoffmann-Haas, Senior Editor at Nature Cancer, share practical tips on improving your networking skills, with a focus on conference participation. We discuss strategies for both in-person and virtual conferences, and touch on the role of social media. Tune in to discover how networking can boost your career in research.
Access transcripts for all our episodes at magazine.eacr.org/podcast.

Let’s Talk About Grant Applications

Join us in this insightful episode as we dive into the world of grant applications with a dynamic trio of experts: Dr. Arianna Baggiolini, a talented early-career principal investigator, Prof. Greg Hannon, an experienced senior researcher, and Dr. Ryan Schoenfeld, the leader of the well-known funding body The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research. Together, they bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to help you master the art of grant proposal writing. Tune in and unlock the secrets to crafting compelling grant proposals that stand out from the rest.
Access transcripts for all our episodes at magazine.eacr.org/podcast.

There’s Always More Than Just One Way

Please note: this episode was recorded live at a scientific conference, and so the audio quality is not as good as other episodes.
In this episode we explore the significance of working in a multidisciplinary environment, the impact of having role models, and how to avoid 'research in a vacuum'. We also discuss an alternative route to becoming a successful cancer researcher that diverges from the traditional PhD-postdoc-PI pathway.
Access transcripts for all our episodes at magazine.eacr.org/podcast.

How Does the Student Become the Master?

Please note: this episode was recorded live at a scientific conference, and so the audio quality is not as good as other episodes.
Three distinguished professors, Sara Zanivan (UK), Christian Frezza (Germany) and Arkaitz Carracedo (Spain) share their personal journeys and advice on becoming a Principal Investigator. They discuss the importance of leadership training, mentorship, and psychological safety, and the need for personalised approaches to career progression. Gain valuable insights into forging a successful path to independence in research.
Access transcripts for all our episodes at magazine.eacr.org/podcast.
 

The Power of a Postdoc

This episode focuses on new beginnings and how your postdoc positions can shape your progression in academia. Our guests Yardena Samuels (Israel) and Elisa Oricchio (Switzerland) discuss what they consider to be the key criteria for choosing a postdoc, finding work-life balance, mitigating career breaks, and being calculated versus taking measured risks when it comes to career progression.
Access transcripts for all our episodes at magazine.eacr.org/podcast.