7th CanTest International School for Cancer Detection Research in Primary Care
Overview
The 7th CanTest International School for Cancer Detection Research in Primary Care took place at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, UK, bringing together early-career researchers, global faculty, and expert mentors. The week focused on advancing early cancer diagnosis in primary care settings, offering a blend of rigorous academic masterclasses, career advice, and collaborative networking.
Attendee Backgrounds
The event brought together 29 early-career researchers from across the globe, spanning countries such as the UK, Ireland, Zimbabwe, Malaysia, India, Singapore, Tanzania, Canada, Sweden, and the USA.
Based on attendee profiles and primary research backgrounds, the cohort reflected a rich mix of clinical and non-clinical expertise:
- Clinical Attendees (12 participants): Included medical doctors, GPs, and clinical research fellows focused on bridging day-to-day patient care with research. Their work spans areas like lower GI diagnostics, clinical risk stratification, and frontline screening pathways.
- Non-Clinical Attendees (17 participants): Included quantitative epidemiologists, qualitative researchers, health economists, biostatisticians, and behavioural scientists. Their projects tackle big data (such as CPRD and electronic health records), health economics, AI model validation, and public/patient engagement (PPIE).
Key Highlights & Participant Feedback
The school achieved a 100% recommendation rate, with all surveyed participants confirming they would recommend the event to fellow cancer researchers. Every attendee agreed or strongly agreed that the school boosted their confidence as a researcher.
What Attendees Said
On Inspiration & Networking:
“I returned inspired, with new contacts and fresh perspectives, and eager to apply these insights to my own research.”
— Mel de Lange (Queen Mary University of London)
On Collaboration & Career Building:
“Spent an amazing week in Cambridge… CanTest is about building a connected cohort of researchers working on the future of cancer detection in primary care. A huge thanks to the school co-leads and faculty contributors who generously shared their expertise!”
— Dr. Collins Santhanasamy (Cancer Research Malaysia)
Week at a Glance
- Highest Rated Sessions (100% Satisfaction): Masterclasses on test accuracy, time to presentation, qualitative methods, big data/equity, and the open/honest panel sessions on academic rejections and funder expectations.
- Social & Mentorship Highlights: Shared meals at Emmanuel College, small-group networking, a group run club and the traditional punting excursion on the River Cam provided informal space to build lasting global research partnerships.