It is with great pleasure that we announce the third edition of the VIB conference ‘Tumor heterogeneity, plasticity and therapy’. Growing evidence highlights the bi-directional interactions between tumor cells and their microenvironment as key drivers of tumor evolution and therapy resistance.

Within a tumor, cancer cells exhibit significant variability, which poses a major challenge for therapy, as treatments often target only a subset of tumor cells. Furthermore, cancer cell plasticity enables rapid adaption to therapeutics and the development of tolerance and resistance, presenting additional challenges for both targeted and immunotherapies.

21 distinguished invited speakers will share their latest research and insights in the following topics:

• Plasticity and initiation
• Progression and metastasis
• Therapy resistance (fundamental)
• Therapy resistance (translational/clinical)

During the event, we anticipate vibrant discussions and collaborations that will not only highlight recent breakthroughs but also pave the way for transformative advancements in the fight against cancer

Abstracts & travel grants
Submit your abstract for a poster and/or oral presentation before the deadline of 8 October 2025. The best presentation will receive the Nature Poster Prize.

We offer 4 travel grants to international junior scientists, which will reimburse travel costs up to 400 Euros. The deadline to participate is 17 September 2025.