Salwador Cyranowski, a dedicated PhD student, received an EACR Travel Fellowship co-sponsored by Worldwide Cancer Research, which provided him with crucial funding for His Travel and research development. These fellowships, offering up to €3,000, are designed to support early-career cancer researchers in expanding their expertise and fostering international collaborations. More details on applying for EACR Travel Fellowships can be found on the EACR website.
Salwador Cyranowski portrait in lab, reflecting his expertise in cancer research
Researcher Profile:
- Name: Salwador Cyranowski, PhD student
- Home Institution and Country: Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology PAS, Warsaw, Poland
- Host Institution and Country: Gustave Roussy Institute, Villejuif, Grand Paris, France
- Visit Duration: April 16, 2018 – May 31, 2018
Salwador’s research focuses on innovative therapeutic strategies for glioma, a challenging brain tumor, utilizing mouse models and newly developed compounds. His journey to the Gustave Roussy Institute was pivotal in refining his skills and broadening his research perspective.
“This research travel gave me the confidence to overcome my doubts and validate my experimental approaches.”
Host Lab Selection Rationale
Salwador’s choice of the Gustave Roussy Institute was strategic, driven by his long-standing awareness of the groundbreaking research conducted there. He explained, “I have followed the research from this esteemed lab for over a year, and the opportunity to visit and learn from them was invaluable. Furthermore, the existing collaboration between my home institution and this laboratory facilitated a seamless integration into their research environment.” This pre-existing connection and the lab’s reputation in cancer research made it an ideal destination for his travel and professional development.
Research Activities and Skill Development During His Visit
During his travel fellowship, Salwador actively engaged in enhancing his practical research skills and deepening his theoretical knowledge. “My time at the Gustave Roussy Institute was instrumental in refining my expertise in several key areas,” Salwador noted. “Specifically, I significantly improved my proficiency in flow cytometry, a crucial technique in cancer research. Additionally, I gained valuable experience in designing and executing complex mice experiments, including advanced drug administration planning. Beyond technical skills, I expanded my understanding of the intricate workings of the immune system and its relevance to melanoma research, gaining insights that directly benefit my glioma studies.”
A Typical Day in a Parisian Research Environment
Salwador described his travel experience as immersive, blending rigorous research with cultural enrichment. “My daily commute to the institute, located just outside of Paris, was an hour each way, but it was a smooth journey. The day typically began with engaging lab meetings or unit seminars, providing a platform for knowledge exchange and collaborative discussions. The core of my day was dedicated to hands-on experimental work, applying the techniques I was there to learn and refine. Lunch breaks were a highlight, enjoyed with the lab team in the top-floor cafeteria, offering inspiring views of the Sacre Coeur – a truly Parisian experience. Evenings often extended beyond the lab, with discussions with senior researchers to refine my experimental strategies and social outings in the city center with fellow students, forging valuable international connections.”
Unique Opportunities at the Host Lab
The Gustave Roussy Institute provided Salwador with resources and expertise that were instrumental in advancing his travel research goals. “Access to a wider array of reagents and the presence of a highly experienced flow cytometry team were significant advantages I found at the host lab. This was particularly crucial for my project, allowing me to conduct experiments and analyses that would have been challenging to perform at my home institution with the same efficiency and depth.”
Cultural Immersion and Parisian Life
Beyond the lab, Salwador fully embraced the cultural opportunities Paris offered, making his travel a well-rounded experience. “Paris was incredible! I made sure to explore the city extensively. I visited the Louvre Museum twice, each time discovering new facets of its vast collection. Relaxing picnics in the Bois de Boulogne provided a perfect escape, and evenings spent along the Canal Saint-Martin with friends were truly enjoyable. Experiencing a cabaret show at the Moulin Rouge was a quintessential Parisian night out. For me, personal highlights included a visit to the stunning Foundation Louis Vuitton and savoring authentic French cuisine, like confit de canard, in traditional city center restaurants.”
Salwador at a cultural site in Paris, enriching his research travel
Mentorship and Support System
The supportive environment at the Gustave Roussy Institute was crucial to the success of his travel fellowship. “A dedicated post-doctoral researcher acted as my mentor throughout my stay. Her guidance was invaluable; I regularly discussed my experimental plans with her and benefited greatly from her expertise in data analysis. The PhD students in the lab were also incredibly welcoming and helpful, creating a collaborative and encouraging atmosphere.”
Research Inspiration and Enhanced Confidence
Salwador’s research travel had a profound impact on his professional confidence and research direction. “This experience significantly boosted my confidence, particularly in experiment planning and data interpretation. Having the opportunity to work in a leading international lab and validate my techniques was incredibly reassuring. It allowed me to move past self-doubt and solidify my approach to cancer research.”
Knowledge Transfer and Benefits to Home Lab
The benefits of his travel extended beyond Salwador’s personal development, positively impacting his home institution. “I returned to my lab with substantial technical knowledge, particularly in optimizing flow cytometry experiments for murine models. I gained specific insights into designing effective fluorochrome-conjugated antibody panels, improving techniques for harvesting and digesting cancer tissue, and selecting precise markers for identifying specific cell populations. These insights are directly enhancing our research capabilities at the Nencki Institute.”
Career Advancement and Networking Opportunities
Salwador emphasized the long-term benefits of his travel fellowship for his career trajectory. “This visit was exceptionally beneficial for both my research and career aspirations. The knowledge and skills I acquired are directly applicable to my PhD project and future research endeavors. Beyond the technical gains, I formed lasting friendships and expanded my professional network, connecting with potential future collaborators. Witnessing diverse approaches to similar research questions broadened my perspective and enriched my scientific toolkit. Overall, it was an incredibly fruitful and rewarding experience that has significantly contributed to my growth as a cancer researcher.”
Gratitude to EACR
In closing, Salwador expressed his appreciation for the organization that made his travel possible. “I am extremely grateful to the EACR for their support. The application process for the Travel Fellowship was straightforward and user-friendly. I sincerely thank the EACR for their friendly and open approach and for providing this invaluable opportunity for early-career researchers like myself.”
