3rd Modeling Cancer Conference  

Discovery, Mechanisms and Translation OR Translating Discoveries into Treatments 

Date

19 May - 22 May 2027

Location

Durrës, Albania

Early Bird - 18 Nov 2026  •  Talk Submission - 18 Nov 2026  •  Poster Submission - 17 Feb 2027  •  Registration & Payment Deadline - 17 Feb 2027

Synopsis

There has been a recent explosion in the generation and availability of complex cancer models for preclinical and translational research along with advances that enable new model generation. Genetically engineered mice, patient-derived and cell line derived xenograft as well as human and murine organoid systems all stand as pillars of cancer research, providing controlled and genetically malleable experimental platforms to dissect the complexities of human malignancies. Recent strides in genome editing technologies have further accelerated the pace of advancement in this domain, serving as a catalyst for reshaping the trajectory of precision medicine for patients with cancer. With the new ability to manipulate genes more rapidly and with a higher throughput, researchers in the field can now delve into intricate but fundamental details of cancer biology. The crux of these technological advancements lies in their capacity to facilitate the functional evaluation of an unprecedented number of alterations found in human tumors. This, in turn, has given rise to pre-clinical and co-clinical platforms that provide invaluable insights into the efficacy of novel therapeutic interventions. These platforms extend beyond mere assessments, allowing for a nuanced exploration of the intricate mechanisms underlying therapeutic response and resistance—a critical frontier in contemporary cancer research.

For this Modeling Cancer conference, our focus converges on three key areas, each representing a crucial facet of the cancer research landscape. The first is the development and application of new approaches for the precise manipulation of genetic elements in mice and other animal and organoid models. The second key area is a focus on the fundamental mechanisms governing cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis. This includes deciphering the elusive cell type(s)-of-origin of tumors to unravel the intricacies of tumor evolution, metabolism, and the dynamic interplay with the immune system. Deepening our understanding of the multifaceted nature of cancer also means exploring differences linked to sex or aging. The final area relates to the use of animal and organoid models in evaluating the efficacy of novel therapeutic approaches, as well as the mechanisms underpinning therapeutic resistance.

This conference will discuss how modeling cancer drives our fundamental understanding of the disease and how discoveries can be leveraged to chart new frontiers in medicine.

Key Topics

  • Leveraging new technologies for cancer modelling
  • Early stages of cancer development and opportunities for prevention
  • The tumor microenvironment and cancer neuroscience
  • Therapeutic resistance
  • Model to clinic (alternatives: Model to bedside; Model to clinical translation)
  • Integration of AI into cancer modeling and therapy

Target Audience

Basic scientists studying all aspects of cancer biology. Scientists and clinicians performing translational work, especially those developing model systems to study complex biologies of the human disease for preclinical studies. Investigators from the biotech and pharma industries who are interested in state-of-the-art cancer modeling approaches.
 

Confirmed Speakers

Chairs

Programme

Registration Prices

Ticket Type Early Bird Full Price

Student

Choose this option if you are a student. Please note all students will be paired with another attendee if a room sharer is not specified. Both same-sex and mixed accommodation options available. If you wish to have your own room, please register under the 'Single' ticket option.

Shared

Choose this option if you wish to share with a colleague who is also attending the conference, or if you wish to be paired with another attendee (same-sex and mixed accommodation options available), or if you have an accompanying adult.

Single

Choose this option if you will be attending the conference alone and wish to have your own private room.

Additional Prices

Addition Type Adult Child

Additional Person

This is the cost for an additional adult or child to join you in the same room, for the conference period. Additional guests are not permitted access to the conference. If you wish to extend your stay, please see our 'Extra Night' prices.

Extra Night

Prices for extra nights apply per person, per night.

All registration fees include 3 nights accommodation and meals during the conference period. Exact inclusions are detailed below.

Networking Opportunities

Programme Discussion Opportunities

Debate Session
Topics to be discussed; TBC
Career Session
Topics to be discussed; impact of academic vs industry on cancer treatment progress, how to advance therapies through partnerships
Impact Session
Topics to be discussed; non-profit speaker, patient advocates, patient testimonials
 

Venue & Location

Meliá Durres

Our new venue for 2027, Meliá Durrës, provides a contemporary and well-equipped setting for academic meetings, combining versatile conference facilities with a peaceful coastal location that supports both focused work and meaningful collaboration. Situated along the Adriatic coastline in the Plazhi San Pietro area, the venue offers a contained environment that encourages delegates to remain connected throughout the programme. 

The hotel features a range of flexible meeting and event spaces suited to formal presentations, panel discussions, and breakout groups, supported by modern AV capabilities and services.  Its layout allows for a highly integrated experience, where sessions, shared dining, and informal interaction can take place within close proximity, fostering continued dialogue beyond scheduled sessions.

Set within a quieter coastal area away from urban distraction, the venue creates a focused atmosphere, conducive to reflection, discussion, and community building.  A variety of on-site dining venues and communal spaces further support informal exchange, enabling delegates to connect easily throughout the day without pre-planning. 

Accommodation is modern and spacious, with private balconies and contemporary amenities providing a comfortable retreat between sessions. These spaces support rest, to protect and maintain engagement across the four-day programme. Free time outside of sessions is intentionally planned, allowing participants to balance work and wellbeing. Access to the beach, pools, and wellness facilities offers opportunities to recharge in a relaxed environment, while still maintaining proximity to colleagues for ongoing conversation and connection. 

For those travelling with family, the venue offers a supportive environment with a range of facilities and activities suitable for different age groups, enabling delegates to remain fully engaged in the conference while also spending quality time with family during free time.

General Information

Venue Rating

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Address

Plazhi San Pietro, Gjiri i Lalezit Durrës Durrës

Nearest Airport

Mother Teresa International Airport

Hotel Facilities

  • 2 Restaurants
  • Gym
  • Wellness Centre Spa
  • Private Beach
  • Rooftop Pool
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi in guest rooms and throughout hotel and conference areas

Location

Transportation

Local Activities

Group Activities

Please come back soon for further information regarding group activities.

Submitting an Abstract

There are several presentation opportunities available at this meeting, in both talk and poster form. To be considered for either option, please register for the conference, upload your abstract when prompted to do so, and select your preferred presentation method. Once submitted, you will be able to monitor the status of your abstract through your Fusion account. You will also receive an email to confirm the outcome of your abstract review.

If you are unable to register for the conference for any reason, but still wish to submit an abstract for consideration, please email the Conference Manager directly.

Please use the abstract template provided (see below) and ensure your abstract is no longer than one page in length.

Note: talk slots are limited for each conference, and we often receive more submissions than spaces available. If your talk submission is unsuccessful on this occasion, your abstract will automatically be considered for a poster presentation as an alternative.

Accepted for a Short Talk 

If you are accepted for a Short Talk, we recommend you check our website regularly as the conference approaches for programme updates, these will be released under the ‘Programme’ tab in the navigation panel to the left. 

On the day of your presentation please make yourself known to our AV technician who will be present in the conference room. We advise running through your presentation at least 30 minutes prior to your session commencing to ensure your slides and any videos or animations appear as expected. We prefer our speakers to run their presentation from the master PC or Mac to ensure a smooth and timely transition between presenters, however, if you prefer to use your own laptop, please notify AV prior to the session. A HDMI cable is usually available on the podium to accommodate this. 

Our AV technician will run through microphone options and provide a combined slide advancer and laser pointer ahead of your talk. 

We ask all speakers to adhere to their time slots and respect their fellow presenters. A visual traffic light aide will be available to warn presenters as their time decreases, and our Session Chairs will assist with keeping everyone to time.

Please make sure your presentation adheres to the following guidelines:

Aspect Ratio: On Screen Show (16:9)
File Type: PPT, PPTS or Keynote format.

Accepted for a Poster Presentation 

We recommend bringing your poster along with you to the conference as our venues do not have onsite printing facilities. If you wish to independently source local printing, please feel free to do so – the hotel address can be found under the ‘Venue’ tab if needed. 

Our poster boards can accommodate a maximum poster size of A0 (1189H x 841W mm), portrait in orientation. Posters exceeding this size may not fit on the poster boards provided and therefore we may be unable to display your poster, so please kindly keep to these measurements.

Upon arrival to the conference, the Fusion team will give you instructions for displaying your poster. Your poster will remain on display for the duration of the conference, allowing presenters to take advantage of refreshment breaks and free time for valuable networking opportunities, in addition to the dedicated poster session.

Please check the programme and note the date and time of the poster session(s). Your poster will be judged during the poster session(s) and prizes will be awarded at the Gala Dinner.

Posters will be taken down by the Fusion team and can be collected on the final day of the conference.

Download Abstract Template

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Conference Manager

Felicity Harrap

Need some help? Chat to the Fusion team today

As a family run business, our dedication runs deep. We’re committed to each other and, even more so, to every attendee’s experience, delivering a level of care and passion that’s truly unmatched.

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+44 (0) 1638 555057