Infection and Cancer 2021

Registration deadline: August 4th, 2021 August 10th, 2021
Course instructor: National and International Renowned Scientists
Sponsored by the Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR)

Course summary

  • Suggested ECTS credit: 1.5 ECTS (this must be discussed with your home university)
  • Level: PhD-course or postdocs
  • Language: English
  • Preliminary course schedule

Infections due to certain viruses, bacteria, and parasites are strong risk factors for the development of specific cancers. Approximately 20% of cancers worldwide are attributed to infections. Conversely, a subset of pathogens preferentially lyse tumor cells, leading to tumor regression and improved anti-tumor immunity. In addition, the intestinal microbiota influences our response to anti-cancer therapy.

The course combines introductory lectures and student learning activities with an international symposium on infection and cancer. International experts will present basic concepts on principles by which viruses and bacteria subvert the cellular micro-environment to cause cancer. Students will present their research during poster presentations within the symposium and within the course for discussion. The students will also critically assess the field of infection and cancer, identify key knowledge gaps and scientific questions, and design hypothesis-driven experiments to address these issues.

On completion of the course, the student should understand:
  • the principles by which microbes subvert the cellular micro-environment leading to transformation and cancer development
  • the mechanisms of malignant transformation by DNA and RNA viruses
  • the mechanisms by which bacterial infections can contribute to tumor development
  • the key issues related to pro-carcinogenic viruses/bacteria and immune defense
  • how these processes can be prevented by prophylactic vaccination
In addition to online lectures, participants will also have an opportunity
  • to design experimental models to address knowledge gaps in infection and cancer
  • to discuss their research with colleagues and international researchers in the field
  • to build their national and international scientific network
  • to discuss with experts working within infection and cancer research

Course registration

To participate in the course you must submit a poster abstract by August 4, 2021 August 10th, 2021 and participate in poster presentations at the symposium and within the course.

To register for the course, you must submit an abstract at the same time that you register. All participants must present a poster. Before registering, prepare an abstract using the template with instructions, downloaded here.

When your abstract is complete, please follow this link to register for the course, which simultaneously registers you for the symposium, and to submit your abstract.

Register here →
Read more about the Symposium here →

Contact debra.l.milton@umu.se for questions.