PRIMA's First Six Months of Operations
Our inaugural event in June showcased presentations from world-renowned cancer immunologists, Professors Michel Sadelain and John Haanen, along with the Vice Chancellor of UiO, the Deputy Head of OUH, and the CEO of the Research Council of Norway. This event not only underscored the potential for groundbreaking discoveries in cell therapy and cancer immunotherapy but also emphasized the high expectations accompanying the establishment of a Center of Excellence.
Formation of Task Forces to Address Key Challenges
The commitment and teamwork of all partnering groups have been crucial to PRIMA's progress in its initial phase. Our biweekly PI meetings and full team gatherings have made it clear that PRIMA is not just business as usual. At the first kick-off event at Hotel Riviera, Moss, organized by the Young Scientist Working Group, we initiated the first interdisciplinary Task Force: The Target Discovery Task Force. This was soon followed by the formation of Task Forces in Spatial Biology and CRISPR Editing. These Task Forces, comprising members from various PRIMA teams, utilize the diverse expertise within the groups and are integral to our strategy for addressing the outlined challenges and advancing the field.
Knowledge Exchange and Events
Our monthly breakfast meetings have rapidly evolved into a hub for dialogue and sharing updates, including preliminary reports from the Task Forces. In September, PRIMA sponsored a keynote address by Professor Lewis Lanier at the 20th Society of Natural Immunity Meeting in Oslo, which attracted over 460 delegates. Additionally, we co-hosted a visit from Professor Dr. Özlem Türeci, who delivered two insightful lectures on novel strategies to enhance the persistence of CAR-T cells through in vivo mRNA delivery and the remarkable scaling up of manufacturing and distribution of life-saving mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV2.
A Promising Start and Future Prospects
Looking ahead, we are preparing to launch a call for synergy grants for young investigators, welcome our first visiting professors, and introduce our mentorship and career development program. I believe PRIMA has had a promising start and I eagerly anticipate the upcoming year and the scientific advancements it will bring. I wish everyone a wonderful Christmas holiday and a relaxing time with family and friends.