Cancer Research Ecosystem Survey Report 2025

Abstract:

In 2025, Task for Cancer Research WP8.2.3 launched a comprehensive survey to map the cancer research ecosystem across EUnetCCC. The primary goal was to uncover each institution’s unique strengths, pinpoint existing challenges, and identify barriers to progress. A key objective was also to determine the most pressing cancer-related topics that could benefit from international collaboration within the EUnetCCC network. WP8.2.3 received responses from 33 institutions across 21 European countries. Drawing on the insights gathered, WP8.2.3 will initiate collaborative networks and targeted events and activities centred on selected topics (cases) – prioritising clinical-impact and research opportunities, with a patient-centred mindset.

• Case 1: How to succeed at de-escalation studies (2026)
• Case 2: Join forces to tackle treatment resistance
• Case 3: Functional precision medicine – from bench to bedside
• Case 4: Unleashing the potential of AI to transform cancer diagnostics and treatment guidance

Institutions expressed strong interest in joint funding applications, clinical data exchange, and collaborative activities such as workshops, training, and twinning programs. While patient involvement ranked lowest among eight collaboration options offered, WP8.2.3 recognises its value in enhancing research relevance, implementation, and funding success. Strategies will be developed to strengthen researcher–patient collaboration. The overarching vision of our task is to improve cancer care across Europe by fostering collaborations and unlocking synergies in the cancer research ecosystem.