Research – Blog about neuroblastoma research

My Experience at the Endo Ireland Conference 2026

Endometriosis—a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus—affects 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. The severity of the condition varies by individual, depending on the location and extent of tissue growth. As someone living with this condition, attending the Endo Ireland 2026 conference on March 28 in Dublin was a deeply personal and touching experience.

The conference was hosted by the Endometriosis Association of Ireland, an organisation run by volunteers dedicated to supporting and representing those impacted by the disease. The event featured a clinical panel where clinicians discussed current treatment options and their limitations. In a separate research panel, scientists shared their professional journeys and emphasised why more focus is needed in this historically underrepresented field.

The agenda also included personal stories from patients and expert talks covering essential topics such as mental health and nutrition. A representative from the National Women & Infants Health Programme (NWIHP) addressed current treatment limitations, listened to patient feedback, and highlighted a commitment to improving future care pathways. It was an amazing opportunity to connect with the patient community and share our journeys. I was also deeply inspired to meet researchers in the field and hear about their transitions from other research areas into endometriosis research.

Written by Anusha Ashokan

Our anti-cancer vaccine work at the International Society for Cell and Gene Therapy 2026

We presented at the International Society for Cell and Gene Therapy Meeting 2026 – an excellent opportunity to showcase your research and expand your network. Delighted for our team, we secured two oral presentations: an elevator pitch by Rabia Saleem and one by me.

Some of my highlights, on top of the top-notch science, are:
– The Welcome address was a Thing. A craic of Irish music and dancing. What a start! Felt very proud to be Irish. Thank you to ISCT, the International Society for Cell & Gene Therapy & Karen English for capturing Irish flavours so well.
– 1540 posters covering various areas of cell and gene therapy, Plenary sessions – short and sweet, an excellent showcase of many projects via Elevator Pitches (2 min each) or Oral presentations (10 min each). Active interactions at the poster session. Rabia Saleem poster attracted Cytotherapy Editor – well done!
– Creative exhibition stands and interactions. NO to plain pens and water bottles, YES to puzzles, LEGO toys, travel pillows, stress balls, and the highlight – make your own bear!

IACR 2026: Science, Communication, and Impact

I recently had the opportunity to attend and present my research at the Irish Association for Cancer Research Conference 2026 in Galway. This year was particularly special for me, as I was selected as one of six early-career researchers to take part in the Prof. Patrick G. Johnston Award for Excellence in Cancer Research Outreach.

This award recognises researchers who can communicate their work clearly to a public audience. Those selected are chosen based on their lay abstracts and take part in a patient communication workshop ahead of the conference. As part of this, I had the opportunity to work closely with patient advocates and cancer survivors, which was an incredibly valuable experience. It challenged me to think beyond science and focus on how to make my research meaningful, accessible, and relevant to the people it ultimately aims to help.

During the conference, I presented my research as part of this award session, delivering a lay presentation to an audience made up of scientists, patients, and members of the public.

My research focuses on developing 3D lung models to better understand cancer behaviour and explore new ways to target lung cancer using mRNA-based approaches. Being able to present this work in a way that resonated with a non-scientific audience was both challenging and rewarding.

Overall, the conference was an inspiring experience. It reinforced the importance of communication in cancer research and reminded me that behind every project are patients and families who are directly impacted by the work we do.

Until next time,

Written by Eve O’Donoghue

Student placements

Hi everyone!

My name is Maryam Almotawaa, and I’m a 4th-year pharmacy student.

I am working on research to identify a promising tumour-associated antigen for immunotherapy. I used the R2 platform to review datasets, including neuroblastoma and non-small cell lung cancer. I spent some time in the lab observing Lin and Eve working on a Western blot for GPC2, a promising neuroblastoma and non-small cell lung cancer antigen. I was involved in a small part of a Western blot experiment in which I washed the secondary antibody. Even though it wasn’t a big task, it made me realise that even small steps matter and can affect the final result.

Outside my academic life, I really enjoy spending quality time with my friends, whether that’s catching up over coffee or exploring new food spots around Dublin. I also value having time to unwind and recharge, especially after busy academic periods, as it helps me maintain a good balance between my studies and personal life.

*All vials contain specific solutions that help confirm protein expression adsorbed onto the PVDF membrane.*

Written by Maryam Almotawaa

Rabia Saleem: My Portuguese Journey

I’m in my third year of a PhD at RCSI and recently completed an RCSI-funded secondment. Reflecting on it, it has been one of my most enjoyable and valuable experiences so far. Coming back to Ireland after the secondment feels great. I’m feeling refreshed and eager to dive back into my work.

I spent my placement at the University of Lisbon’s Department of Pharmacy, working in Prof. Helena Florindo’s lab. Everyone was super welcoming, which made it easy to settle in and get started without any stress.

Most of my time in the lab was spent preparing biodegradable nanoparticles using a peptide from my project. I also got to run some ex vivo experiments and even joined in on in vivo work under supervision, a completely new and really exciting experience for me. The best part was seeing some promising results come through, which was really encouraging.

Outside the lab, Lisbon was just a lovely place to spend time. I picked up a little Portuguese, enjoyed the sunshine, and appreciated the relaxed pace.

Now that I’m back, I’m excited to finish up the last bits of my project and build on what I learned during the secondment. Overall, it was an amazing experience, both for my research and personally.

Written by Rabia Saleem, the IRC PhD student

My 1st Mac4Me Secondment – Nottingham 2026

It’s great to be back! Returning to the University of Nottingham for my secondment with PeptiMatrix feels like coming full circle since finishing my undergrad here.

Stepping into the lab felt instantly familiar. Because I already knew the layout, I could breeze through the initial induction and training and get straight into the exciting part: the science.

I have to say, the lab is so well-organised, and it’s packed with some impressive new kit. I’ve already spotted an automated cell culture system and a 3D printer, but the equipment I’m most excited about is the rheometer, which will be central to my project.

I also got hands-on right away, learning how to make peptide hydrogels and even how to encapsulate cells into them. It’s amazing to see the building blocks of tissue engineering coming together right before my eyes.

There are plenty more cool things planned for the coming weeks. I’ll be sure to keep you updated on the journey.

Written by Chunyu Yan, Mac4Me PhD student

Two New-Minted PhD in 2025!

What a year – two young and talented postgraduate students have been minted with a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in September and December of 2025. They are Dr Lin Ma and Dr Ronja Struck. Hard work and dedication are the cornerstones of this challenging but rewarding journey.

They sailed through scattered showers and sunny spells, gale winds and stormy snow with sunshine developing elsewhere, turning chilly under clear skies on some days with temperatures below/above zero. The full spectrum of emotions and hard work was spiced up by the uncertainty of COVID-19 restrictions. Well done to Ronja and Lin!

My greatest thanks to Lin’s examiners Prof Sue Burchill (University of Leeds, UK), Dr Joan Ní Gabhann-Dromgoole (RCSI, Ireland) and the independent chair Prof Kevin McGuigan (RCSI, Ireland)!!

My greatest thanks to Ronja’s examiners, Prof Martina Rauner (Dresden University, Germany), Prof Fabio Quondamatteo (RCSI, Ireland) and the independent chair Dr Inmar Schoen (RCSI, Ireland)!!

This work would not be possible without the generous support from the Irish Research Council (Research Ireland) and the Conor Foley Neuroblastoma Cancer Research Foundation to Ronja, and from the RCSI-Soochow University StAR International PhD Programme to Lin.

Hi Everyone! I’m Anusha

Hi, I am Anusha from India. I recently joined Dr Olga’s team at RCSI as a research fellow. I completed my PhD in the development of nanomaterials for image-assisted cancer therapy. After that, I had an amazing run as a research scientist for 7 years, working in cancer immunotherapy. Work focused on the development of nanomaterials for the delivery of immunomodulatory drugs and on engineered adjuvants for therapeutic cancer vaccines. Then came my lil son Aadi, and I took a two-year break. When I was actively looking for positions after my break, I thought of writing a Marie Curie grant, and that’s how I met Dr Olga. Dr Olga then offered me a position at RCSI to work on neuroblastoma. I am just incredibly grateful for this opportunity and to be part of an amazing team, especially after being away from the lab for a while. It’s a new role, a whole new world here in Dublin, and I am waiting to see what exciting things come next.

Falling in love with the Irish coast @ Donabate

Written by Anusha Ashokan

I’m Pierluca!

Good afternoon, readers! Pierluca here, writing to you as one of the newest members of this incredible team. For those who haven’t met me yet, I’m a PhD student joining the RCSI family for the next three years.

My story starts in Brindisi, a charming harbor town in southeastern Italy. From there, my academic journey took me to the Netherlands. During my two research projects, I explored how high-fat diets impact liver metabolism and investigated ways to prevent metabolic reprogramming and cell death.

Now, I’m bringing that curiosity to RCSI, where my focus is shifting to something even more complex: cancer metastasis. In the lab, I’ll research how neuroblastoma invades the brain to form metastases. Using 3D bioprinting and scaffold models, I’ll grow Neuroblastoma Kelly and Kelly-cis cells to observe how they infiltrate brain-like structures and hijack the immune system.

Science is intense, so balance is key! When I’m not in the lab, you’ll find me Hiking when the sun is shining or Playing cards in a cozy pub when the rain pours. Cooking with friends is a great way to spend some relaxing time at home and when I am alone, I enjoy a good book (currently reading The Master and Margarita, highly recommend!).

Stay tuned for more about me and my research!

Written by Pierluca Cancellieri, Mac4Me PhD student

Hi everyone! I’m Chunyu

Hi everyone! I’m Chunyu, and I’ve recently started my PhD journey in the field of bioengineering and neurobiology. My academic background includes an MRes in Biomedical Research from Imperial College London, where I developed a deep interest in microfluidic technologies and their applications in disease modelling.

Currently, my PhD project focuses on identifying the function of macrophages—the body’s frontline immune cells—when they first interact with neuroblastoma (NB) cells using a brain and liver organ-on-a-chip (OoC) model. By recreating these organ environments on a chip, I aim to explore how macrophages respond to NB invasion and how this early interaction might shape the progression of the disease. This research could open new doors for early intervention and treatment strategies in childhood cancers like neuroblastoma.

When I’m not in the lab, you’ll probably find me outside—going on hikes, enjoying a good swim, or finding a tasty Hotpot restaurant. I love blending my curiosity for science with a love for the outdoors, and I’m excited to share updates from both worlds as I go through this PhD journey.

Thanks for stopping by, and stay tuned for more science and a few outdoor adventures along the way!

Written by Chunyu Yan, Mac4Me DC