The Universidad de Las Américas (UDLA) proudly presents the inaugural UDLA Symposia: Cancer Edition, an international academic event that positions Ecuador on the global scientific stage. This initiative brings together world-renowned leaders in biomedical research, clinical oncology, and translational science to address some of the most urgent and complex challenges in cancer research.
A New Platform for Scientific Dialogue in Latin America
Designed to promote scientific exchange, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and inspire innovation, UDLA Symposia: Cancer Edition will explore cutting-edge topics including tumor initiation and evolutionary biology, the role of chronic diseases in cancer progression, immune system–tumor interactions, cellular communication between healthy and malignant tissues, and novel therapeutic strategies. Participants will engage with unpublished research presented in real time by leading scientists, offering a rare and immersive experience at the frontiers of biomedical innovation.
Connecting Minds, Building Collaborations
More than a scientific meeting, the symposium fosters dialogue among researchers, clinicians, students, and professionals from diverse disciplines and nationalities. Its mission is to create a vibrant and inclusive research ecosystem that accelerates discovery and cultivates long-term collaborative networks across Latin America and beyond. All participants will receive a diploma of participation endorsed by UDLA, which includes recognition of academic hours for professional development. The event will also recognize outstanding contributions through awards for best oral presentation and best poster presentation, selected from accepted abstracts based on originality, clarity, and scientific merit.
Distinguished Global Speakers
Scott W. Lowe (USA) is a globally recognized leader in cancer genetics. He demonstrated that p53 is essential for apoptosis in response to cytotoxic agents and described oncogene-induced senescence as a tumor-suppressive mechanism. His laboratory has played a central role in developing CRISPR- and RNAi-based models for personalized therapy research.
David Tuveson (USA) is internationally recognized for his work in pancreatic cancer. He developed mouse models and organoids that faithfully replicate human disease, enabling detailed studies of tumor biology and therapy response. His contributions to understanding the tumor microenvironment have been essential for translational cancer research.
Georg Halder (Belgium) played a pivotal role in the discovery of the Hippo pathway, identifying essential components such as Merlin and Expanded. His recent work focuses on developing pharmacological inhibitors of the pathway as novel strategies for targeted cancer treatment.
Lars Zender (Germany) is a pioneer in liver cancer biology. Through RNA interference screenings, he has identified tumor suppressor genes and proposed approaches to restore liver function without the need for transplantation. His research on cellular senescence has provided key insights into tumor suppression.
Jean-Christophe Marine (Belgium) has made significant contributions to melanoma biology, particularly in therapy resistance. He identified a TCF4-dependent gene regulatory network that drives resistance to both immunotherapy and targeted therapies. His work also explores tumor plasticity and hierarchical organization.
Juan Iovanna (France) is a leading figure in pancreatic cancer and cellular stress biology. He discovered VMP1, a protein essential for autophagy initiation, and studied NUPR1, a key regulator of stress responses, tumor growth, and apoptosis, with major implications for therapy resistance.
Robert Schwabe (USA) is a pioneer in liver pathobiology. His research has elucidated how chronic liver injury leads to fibrosis and cancer. He has characterized the role of hepatic stellate cells in regeneration, immune regulation, and metabolism, and developed genetic models to identify novel antifibrotic and anticancer targets.
Amaia Lujambio (USA) has made significant contributions to the understanding of cancer epigenetics and immune evasion. Her work demonstrates how epigenetic modifications influence tumor–immune interactions and has identified novel therapeutic targets to enhance immunotherapy across various cancer types.
Leo van Grunsven (Belgium) is renowned for his research on liver fibrosis and regeneration. He has investigated the molecular mechanisms regulating hepatic stellate cell activation and their role in fibrosis progression, contributing to the development of antifibrotic therapies and regenerative strategies.
Eleonora Leucci (Belgium) has uncovered the role of long non-coding RNAs in cancer, particularly SAMMSON—a melanoma-specific lncRNA essential for tumor survival but absent in normal tissues. Her discoveries have opened new therapeutic avenues for RNA-based treatments.
Nic Tapon (UK) has led foundational studies on the Hippo signaling pathway and its role in growth control. He discovered critical regulators such as Salvador, Kibra, and Expanded, and demonstrated how mechanical tension and apical–basal polarity control tissue architecture and tumor suppression.
Camino De Juan Romero (Spain) specializes in molecular neuro-oncology. She has advanced the understanding of gliomas and brain tumors by investigating the epigenetic and molecular regulators of tumor progression, treatment resistance, and potential therapeutic targets.
Anthony Newman (Netherlands) brings deep expertise in scientific publishing. As a senior editor at Elsevier, he has helped shape global strategies in editorial innovation, open access, impact metrics, and science policy, offering valuable perspectives on how scientific research is disseminated and evaluated.
José Luis Neira (Spain) investigates the structural biology of cancer-related proteins. His research focuses on how protein–protein interactions and post-translational modifications affect key molecules involved in cell proliferation and survival, informing the rational design of targeted therapies.
Join Us in Quito
Whether you are a researcher, clinician, or student, UDLA Symposia: Cancer Edition offers a unique opportunity to witness groundbreaking discoveries in real time, connect with global thought leaders, and engage in high-level scientific exchange. The event will be held from November 17 to 20, 2025, at UDLAPark in Quito, Ecuador.
For full details on registration, abstract submission, and the event agenda, please visit the official UDLA Symposia website: https://sitios.udla.edu.ec/symposia/
Let science unite us. Let innovation inspire us.