CanDetect PhD Students Join the 6th CanTest International School in Cambridge
6th CanTest International School for Cancer Detection Research in Primary Care
As part of CanDetect’s commitment to developing the next generation of researchers in early cancer detection, three of our PhD students — Jojo He, Ben McGuirk, and Oksana Kryshevich — attended the 6th CanTest International School for Cancer Detection Research in Primary Care this September.
Held at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, and hosted by the Wolfson Institute of Population Health and Queen Mary University of London, the week-long residential course brought together early career researchers from across the globe to explore innovation and collaboration in cancer detection research.
Learning, Networking, and Cambridge Life
For Jojo He, the week was “both intellectually stimulating and personally enriching.” He described living in college accommodation, exploring the city, and connecting with researchers from diverse backgrounds as a highlight.
“Cambridge’s atmosphere, with its blend of history, academic tradition, and vibrant research community, made the event even more inspiring,” Jojo said.
A punting trip along the River Cam added a lighter touch, giving participants a chance to relax and build new friendships.
Exploring Innovation in Cancer Detection
The CanTest programme covered cutting-edge topics, from AI and big data to genomics and emerging diagnostic methods.
“The CanTest International School was an informative and inspiring week,” shared Ben McGuirk, “covering a breadth of topics from an AI in primary care debate to a deep dive into the potential of genomics for early detection.”
Ben also found value in learning how to translate research from secondary to primary care settings — “to generate evidence that can influence guidelines and practice.”
Confidence and Community
Oksana Kryshevich reflected on the week as an empowering experience:
“I came to the School hoping to gain confidence to conduct my PhD research and came away feeling equipped for the next stages of my studies.”
She appreciated learning about the “newest advances in early cancer diagnosis” while building connections with academics and other PhD students.
A Lasting Impact
By the end of the week, all three students left Cambridge inspired and connected. As Jojo summed up:
“Sharing ideas during workshops and enjoying the formal dinner together created a strong sense of community.”
The CanTest International School continues to play a vital role in supporting early career researchers — and for CanDetect students, it offered an unforgettable opportunity to learn, network, and contribute to the future of early cancer detection.