Van Andel Institute Hosts World-Renowned Cancer Experts At Fifth Annual Origins Of Cancer Symposium

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., July 1, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Van Andel Institute will host the fifth annual Origins of Cancer symposium, Friday, July 11, 2014.

The one-day symposium, held in partnership with the Foundation for Advanced Cancer Studies, Inc. (FACS), brings together medical and scientific experts from around the world to discuss the origins of cancer. This year's theme, Beyond the Tumor Cell, highlights inflammation and immune evasion in cancer, the tumor microenvironment and other systemic factors that impact the development and progression of cancer.

The scientific event features presentations from noted cancer experts representing research and medical centers such as University of Notre Dame, the Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. More than 300 research professionals, educators and students are expected to attend this year's event.

Dr. Nick Duesbery, associate professor in the Institute's Center for Cancer and Cell Biology and head of the Laboratory of Cancer and Developmental Cell Biology, views the symposium as an important event for students involved in cancer research.

"Origins of Cancer allows undergraduate and graduate level students the opportunity to network with some of the best scientists in the world," Duesbery said. "The interactions that take place between scientists and students at the symposium really become important down the road when these students begin their job search."

Attendees can connect with speakers and participate in dialogues regarding a vast array of cancer-related topics. Origins of Cancer also provides scientific leaders with a chance to support the next generation of researchers and educators. According to Duesbery, this kind of mentorship is a professional responsibility and an important part of working in the scientific community.

"When you go through graduate school and receive that kind of training, someone took the time to mentor you through it," Duesbery said. "Now as a professional, you're obligated to help other people through that process."

Visit www.vai.org/vari for information on Origins of Cancer.

Van Andel Institute

Established by Jay and Betty Van Andel in 1996, Van Andel Institute (VAI) is an independent research and educational organization based in Grand Rapids, Mich., dedicated to preserving, enhancing and expanding the frontiers of medical science, and to achieving excellence in education by probing fundamental issues of education and the learning process. Van Andel Education Institute (VAEI) is dedicated to strengthening science education and preparing and motivating individuals to pursue science or science-related professions. Van Andel Research Institute (VARI), the research arm of VAI, is dedicated to probing the genetic, cellular and molecular origins of cancer, Parkinson's and other diseases and working to translate those findings into effective therapies. This is accomplished through the work of more than 200 researchers in on-site laboratories and in collaborative partnerships that span the globe. For more information, visit www.vai.org.

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SOURCE Van Andel Institute