We are pleased to announce the 6th international SUNRiSE meeting. The SUNRiSE network promotes knowledge and interactions between researchers and clinicians in order to develop research projects on tumor heterogeneity. This edition will be hosted by "Domaine Haut-Carré" at Bordeaux University from May 26th to 28th, 2026.

The concept of cancer stem cells (CSCs), in which tumor growth is fueled by a small number of cancer cells, the CSCs, has evolved over time through medical issues and technological advances.

In this edition, we have sought to capture this evolution to make it accessible to as many scientists and physicians interested in tumor heterogeneity and plasticity as possible. Our interdisciplinary forum will address the most recent insights in the CSC field, such as the interplay between CSCs and the tumor microenvironment during tumor initiation and tumor evolution, to understand and target tumor heterogeneity, metabolic plasticity, and CSC maintenance.
 

Leading speakers from prestigious institutions (Dr. M. Dawson, Dr. S.Parinello, Dr. C.C. Maley, Dr. A. Rodriguez-Fraticelli, Dr. F. Nicassio, Dr. R.J. Gilbertson, Dr. J. Winkler, Dr. C. Tape, Dr. A. Burban, Dr. E. Batlle, etc.), chosen from among the top international researchers, will present and discuss breakthroughs in tumor heterogeneity and beyond to promote basic and applied research in the field.

Our objectives are to:

- Disseminate new advances in the field of tumor heterogeneity

- Promote collaborations at the national and international level between researchers, clinicians, and pharmaceutical industry professionals 

- Increase the visibility of young students and researchers

- Structure the exchange of expertise and biological resources to accelerate project development

- Expand our research and results to a level that is not only transdisciplinary but also "trans-pathology"

-Accelerate the transfer of knowledge on tumor heterogeneity and their translational and clinical applications (attract clinicians and pharmaceutical companies to develop therapies based on targeting cancer stem cells)

This meeting will have a limited number of participants (150 to 200) to facilitate intensive two-day discussions on novel topics.