MUW International PhD Program in Translational Oncology (IPPTO)

The unprecedented understanding of the molecular underpinning of cancer has led to an explosion of targeted therapy options that are developed at a rapid pace. Cancer immunotherapy, genome editing and rational drug design are just a few of the novel ideas that will massively change how we target cancer therapeutically. However, there are numerous challenges that need to be overcome before delivering on the promise of personalized cancer therapy. Clinical evidence shows that, despite initial response to treatment, most tumors become resistant to eventually all available therapy by alterations of the malignant cells or the tumor microenvironment. In recognition of this challenge, we propose to establish a new research focus dedicated to mechanisms shaping anticancer therapy response. With a significant in-kind contribution from the Medical University of Vienna (MUW) matching the FWF DOC funds, our aim is to improve the already existing and highly successful Malignant Diseases doctoral program (MADI), which is one of the largest and best-established thematic PhD programs of the MUW. The novel International PhD Program in Translational Oncology (IPPTO) is a closed excellence program run by 14 MUW scientists of the MADI faculty with a wide range of expertise and research interests. One-third of the faculty members are women, including a highly successful female young group leader, reflecting our vision to support and embrace early-career scientists who have the potential to serve as academic role models in research and education. The proposed IPPTO projects belong to three research areas, focusing on cellular resistance mechanisms, tumor plasticity and the tumor microenvironment. The success of this three- pronged approach is hinged on the excellence and commitment of the faculty members to train future scientists through innovative and exciting research. Students will benefit from the thematic coherence of the projects, the collaboration network of the faculty members, the interdisciplinary approach, the shared resources and a team-level supervision. The program will include customized training courses, seminars and regular participation in national and international meetings. Our long-term goal is to create an internationally visible excellence program in translational oncology. An increase of the quality of graduate training and career development in oncology will strengthen the research cluster Cancer Research and Oncology at MUW and the entire Austrian cancer research potential to promote the translation of basic scientific discoveries into clinical benefit for cancer patients.