Institut Curie at the C8 Symposium, an annual international meeting to accelerate progress in the fight against cancer

Following the inaugural C8 Symposium in Toronto in 2025, the C8 gathered in Tokyo for its second annual meeting. Over three days, representatives from the eight institutions discussed the consortium’s shared priorities and explored a range of scientific topics: immuno-oncology, innovative target/modality, AI for cancer therapy and drug development, and real-world data utilization. Leadership sessions and a dedicated working session on joint research projects rounded out the program.

A member of the C8 since its creation in 2025, Institut Curie contributes to the network’s work and scientific exchanges. At this year’s symposium, the institute was represented by Prof. Steven Le Gouill, Director of Institut Curie’s Hospital Group, and Dr. Claire Rougeulle, Director of Institut Curie’s Research Center. Both took part in the Leadership Summit to help define the C8’s future priorities.

Steven Le Gouill and Claire Rougeulle each moderated a session on innovative target/modality on October 19 and 20. Steven Le Gouill also shared his career journey during a luncheon focused inspiring leadership stories.

“When facing challenges as complex as cancer, no institution can make progress alone. The C8 gives teams an opportunity to bring together their perspectives and expertise across borders, helping turn discoveries into advances that benefit patients more quickly,” explains Prof. Steven Le Gouill.

Two researchers and a physician from Institut Curie also presented their work and shared their expertise. Dr. Eliane Piaggio contributed to discussions on immuno-oncology, Prof. Eric Pasmant  on real-world data utilization, and Dr. Antonin Morillon on innovative targets/modality.

A cooperation that continues throughout the year

The C8 organizes regular exchanges to foster collective thinking and strengthen ties among its eight member institutions. Leaders from the participating centers meet through virtual meetings, events, and thematic workshops. As part of these ongoing efforts, Institut Curie participated in the Business of Science Symposium held during the 2026 American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting, as well as a workshop on sex and gender diversity in research held in Manchester on September 14.
The network also promotes exchanges among researchers and physicians. These opportunities allow participants to gain experience with advanced methods, ranging from gene sequencing and liquid biopsy techniques to functional and biological imaging technologies and clinical trial development and implementation.

“Research thrives above all on the exchanges between the people who drive it forward. By bringing researchers together to share their work and identify common interests at symposia and scientific events, the C8 plays an essential role in fostering new collaborations. These interactions are a powerful driver of innovation and scientific progress,” says Dr. Claire Rougeulle.

Following Tokyo in 2026 and Manchester in 2027, the symposium will take place in Paris in 2028, where Institut Curie will host the 4th edition of the C8 Symposium.