November 14, 2025, Guangzhou, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center (SYSUCC) hosted a delegation of leading scientists from the Netherlands Cancer Institute (NKI) for a two-day academic exchange focused on functional genomics, cancer immunotherapy, and translational medicine. The visit, initiated by Prof. Feng Wang, Director of Oncology Medicine SYSUCC, and chaired by Prof. Song Gao, Vice Director of the Department of Experimental Research, and Prof. Wang Principal investigator of the Department of Experimental Research, facilitated in-depth exchanges on cutting-edge topics in functional genomics, cancer immunology, and translational therapeutics.

Synergizing Strengths: A Day of Scientific Exchange 
The symposium featured presentations from four distinguished NKI researchers, each a leader in their respective fields: 
Prof. Thijn Brummelkamp presented “A Compendium of Genetic Screens to Discover Alternative Pathways”; 
Prof. Ton Schumacher discussed “T Cell Recognition of Human Cancer: Cracking the Code”; 
Prof. Daniel Peeper shared insights on “Translating the Cancer-immune Dialogue”; 
Prof. Roderick Beijersbergen explored “From Static to Dynamic: New Frontiers in Functional CRISPR Screens.” 

In the afternoon session, SYSUCC researchers presented their latest findings: 
Prof. Feng Wang on clinical and translational research of precision immunotherapy for colorectal cancer
Prof. Yijun Gao on resistance mechanisms in colorectal cancer; 
Prof. Huilin Huang on RNA modifications in acute myeloid leukemia; 
Prof. Penghui Zhou on cell therapy for solid tumors; 
Prof. Song Gao on mitochondrial fusion and T-cell immunotherapy. 
The sessions were moderated by Prof. Liqin Wang and Prof. Song Gao, fostering vibrant discussions between the two institutions.

At the end of the symposia, Prof. Thijn Brummelkamp noted “SYSUCC’s achievements in translational medicine are highly impressive. We look forward to leveraging shared technologies and data to address common challenges in cancer treatment.” Both sides had a high-level fruitful discussion on the ongoing research projects and expressed strong interest in establishing joint research projects.

Written by Prof. Liqin Wang's Group, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center