In this edition of “Meet the People Behind CCE,” we’re excited to introduce Dr. Priya Chudasama, Group Leader of the Precision Sarcoma Research Group at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ). Her association with the CCE Rare Tumors Task Force may align perfectly with her background in sarcoma research — but there’s much more to her CCE journey, as she shares in her interview.
So far — and we say “so far” because we’re sure there’s more to come — Dr. Chudasama has taken part in the CCE Summer School in every possible role: first as a participant, then as a speaker, and eventually as a member of the scientific committee. She was also part of the first cohort of the CCE TRYTRAC program.
Dr. Chudasama is not only a highly active and inspiring member of the CCE community, but also someone to watch. Her passion for research and commitment to collaboration make her a true asset to the consortium.
Q: Can you briefly introduce yourself, including your role, expertise, and interests in cancer research?
Q: What is your role in Cancer Core Europe?
Q: You’ve participated in CCE initiatives like the Summer School and TRYTRAC. Could you start by telling us more about your experience with the Summer School and what your key takeaways were?”
“World-class speakers and thought leaders… talented participants who arrive from across the globe… beach walks, informal dinners, immersive conversations between faculty and participants that lay foundation for long-lasting connections…strong sense of community… A great opportunity to be a part of self-propagating professional network and for personal growth”
Q: Can you share some insights about the TRYTRAC program? How was your experience?
“Unparallel opportunity to get insights into Europe’s 7 leading cancer centers, carefully curated workshops at all sites … excellent mix of scientific talks and career development components tailored to leadership level…”
Q: Has the TRYTRAC program influenced you as a researcher? How has it contributed to your own work?
“CCE initiatives enabled inspiring interactions with top CCE faculty, e.g. preclinical researchers at VHIO running clinical trials. Many collaborations have emerged…I have submitted joint grant applications with investigators from Gustave Roussy…Organized sarcoma-focused scientific retreat with researchers and clinicians from INT Milan and ICR., UK…”
Q: Would you recommend CCE educational programs and working groups to other clinicians and researchers? Why?
“Absolutely…under the inspiring leadership of Josep Tabernero CCE has brought together bleeding edge technology and innovation and multidisciplinary expertise from brightest minds of Europe top 7 cancer centres together… you can only imagine how powerful this could be when this alliance starts thinking about the training the next generation of leaders in translational oncology…”.
