Scientists recognized at leading european breast cancer meeting
At the annual meeting of the European Network for Breast Development and Cancer (ENBDC), held in Weggis, Switzerland, i3S' research excellence was once again in the spotlight. Researchers Sandra Tavares and Ana Sofia Ribeiro were honoured with highly prestigious international awards.
Ana Sofia Ribeiro, from the Cancer Metastasis group led by Joana Paredes, was awarded the DeOme Prize, which recognises the best oral presentation of the meeting. Her work focuses on identifying circulating biomarkers in the blood capable of predicting breast cancer progression, to improve clinical monitoring and enable earlier, more personalised interventions.
For the researcher, “this award is of special significance, as it recognises both the scientific relevance and the potential clinical impact of the work.” The DeOme Prize pays tribute to Kenneth DeOme, a pioneering figure in mammary gland biology whose scientific contribution continues to influence the field of oncology research.
Meanwhile, Sandra Tavares, from the Cytoskeletal Regulation & Cancer group led by Florence Janody, received the Maria Glukhova–Dan Medina award for one of the best posters. The prize-winning work explores multiomic approaches in triple-negative breast cancer organoids. “I am truly honoured to receive this award from the ENBDC, an organisation that brings together most of the leading figures in the field of mammary development and breast cancer research,” says the scientist.
Established in 2006, the ENBDC brings together laboratories from around the world dedicated to the study of mammary development and cancer, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and the advancement of scientific knowledge. The annual workshops are considered a fundamental meeting point for researchers in the field, fostering the sharing of methodologies and the establishment of international partnerships.
Portuguese participation in the network has been growing, notably through the involvement of researcher Joana Paredes, who has been a member of the ENBDC scientific committee since 2024, helping to strengthen the national presence within this European consortium.
The awards reinforce the international recognition of the research developed in Portugal and underline its contribution to significant advances in the understanding and treatment of breast cancer.
