Workshop for the Twinning for the Armenian Research Infrastructure on Cancer Research (ARICE) project

Dr Zisis Kozlakidis, Head of Laboratory Support, Biobanking, and Services at the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), is hosting a workshop as part of the Twinning for the Armenian Research Infrastructure on Cancer Research (ARICE) project. The workshop is being held on 15–17 May, with participants from Yerevan State Medical University (Armenia), Charles University (Czechia), and the Medical University of Graz (Austria).

Improving cancer research infrastructures remains a key aim for many countries, especially because cancer incidence is anticipated to increase considerably in the coming decades. Armenia has very high cancer incidence and mortality rates relative to other countries, as well as a very high prevalence of rare malignant diseases. However, Armenia consistently underperforms in cancer research compared with the European Union average.

The goal of the ARICE project is to significantly strengthen the scientific and technological capacity of Yerevan State Medical University (Armenia), with a focus on developing infrastructure for clinical genetic research and in particular on targeting the collection, governance, and use of biological material, and the data integration for downstream analyses. This work will highlight gaps and opportunities in cancer research and biobanking in resource-constrained settings in an often-overlooked part of the world.

The ARICE project, which is funded with support from the European Commission Research Executive Agency, was highlighted by the European Union as having delivered exceptional results with significant immediate or potential impact on the Armenian academic and clinical community.

Visit the ARICE website