A truly international event
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The first Alumni Meeting, held at the DKFZ from June 25 to June 26, 2004, brought together former guest scientists and alumni from Germany, Austria, China, Greece, India, Israel, the Netherlands, Poland, the U.S., and current staff of the DKFZ.
On the first day, internationally renowned DKFZ alumni from the U.S., Germany and several other European countries presented the most recent results of their research on two main topics, both of which have a strong impact on our understanding of cancer as a biologic phenomenon and a life-threatening disease: 1) the ”Pathobiology of cancer cells”, and 2) ”Self versus-non self discrimination in health and disease”. In excellent presentations the alumni contributed new findings, providing innovative tools for cancer diagnosis and treatment. It was obvious, however, that much additional work remains to be done to use this knowledge for the benefit of the cancer patient. A poster discussion in the afternoon complemented the scientific program of the first day.
Perspectives of the DKFZ, Poster Awards and a Symphony
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Another memorable event of the first day was the reception by the DKFZ Management Board. It started with a beautiful piece of music, the Symphonia Concertante for Violin and Viola (K.V. 364) by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, enthusiastically performed by the Heidelberg MD Orchestra conducted by Prof. Michael Steinhausen.
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The Chairman and Scientific Member of the Management Board, Prof. Otmar Wiestler, presented poster awards to three scientists, each of whom received a travel grant of 500 Euros. In a vivid speech Otmar Wiestler reflected on ”Perspectives of cancer research at the DKFZ”. He gave an overview of the current situation and intermediate and future goals of the research program, and particularly announced the establishment of an interdisciplinary Comprehensive Cancer Center (NCT – ”Nationales Centrum für Tumorerkrankungen”) in Heidelberg, which should be completed in December 2005. During the following buffet dinner the participants discussed scientific and personal matters of mutual interest in a friendly atmosphere.
The Alumni Association is born
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The second day of the meeting started with the presentation of highlights from the six research programs of the DKFZ, particularly achievements in cell and tumor biology, genome research, epidemiology, infectious agents and antibodies in cancer evolution and treatment, and innovative cancer treatment by ionizing radiation.
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Finally, many participants assembled in order to formally found an Alumni Association (Alumni Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum e.V.), and elected the members of the executive committee: Prof. Peter Bannasch, Dr. Konrad Buschbeck (Treasurer), Elfriede Mang (Secretary). The Cairman and Scientific Member of the DKFZ Management Board is part of the executive committee by virtue of his office (ex officio). The executive committee elected Prof. Peter Bannasch as Chairman. Despite the founding members’ decision against membership fees at present, two of the founding members from the U.S., Dr. Gunter Rütter, Washington, and Dr. Ilia Toshkov, Ithaca spontaneously offered generous donations to the Association during the general assembly. New members of the Association will be recruited along with the next Newsletter in fall 2004.
The first Alumni Meeting concluded with a boat trip along the lovely Neckar valley on a sunny afternoon, which was enjoyed by all participants. Many Alumni look forward to the upcoming meeting in Heidelberg, envisaged to take place in 2006. For 2005, a smaller meeting in China has been envisaged.