Samra Turajlić, Group Leader at Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, shared on LinkedIn:
“This week in Trento, I had the opportunity and privilege to honour two exceptional individuals whose legacies have had a profound impact on cancer research.
At the NIBIT Translational Science Annual Meeting, I gave the lecture named in honour of Giorgio Parmiani, a world-renowned cancer immunologist who worked at the Fondazione IRCCS National Cancer Institute of Milan and San Raffaele Hospital․
Giorgio’s work helped lay the foundations for personalised cancer immunotherapy, including through the discovery and characterisation of tumour-specific antigens in melanoma.
What was particularly moving was to see so many of Giorgio’s mentees and, in turn, their mentees – at the meeting – he inspired and shaped multiple generations of Italian scientists.
Later in the week, at the beautiful campus of UniTrento CIBIO, I gave a talk reflecting on the 2026 Pezcoller Foundation and European Association for Cancer Research (EACR) Translational Cancer Researcher Award, which I was deeply honoured to receive earlier this year.
Alessio Pezcoller was a renowned surgeon, completely devoted to his work; and a visionary who conceived the idea of a Foundation dedicated to promoting cancer research, collaboration and connection.
That vision continues today through the Pezcoller Foundation, through the tireless work and endless positivity of Enzo Galligioni and team including Veronica Foletto!
Although their paths were different, Giorgio Parmiani and Alessio Pezcoller shared something fundamental: a complete devotion to research with impact, and a commitment to enabling others to succeed.
I feel deeply honoured to have been able to celebrate both of their legacies in the space of one week.
Very grateful to all the colleagues who made these past few days such a special time of science, connection and friendship. I look forward to continuing these conversations and building collaborations – watch this space Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute!”
Other articles featuring Giorgio Parmiani and Alessio Pezcoller on OncoDaily.