An international summer school focusing on the mathematical modelling of cancer was held at the University of Szeged from June 11 to 14, bringing together young researchers and leading experts from around the world. The event was jointly organized by the Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine (HCEMM) and the National Laboratory for Health Security.
Led by mathematician Dr. Gergely Röst, the programme aimed to introduce PhD students from medicine, mathematics, and data science to an emerging interdisciplinary field. Out of 112 applicants, 26 PhD students from 16 countries—including participants from the University of Cambridge and Sorbonne University—were selected.
The workshop featured lectures by international experts such as Professors Joel Brown and Jeffrey West from the Moffitt Cancer Center in Florida, Professor Tommaso Lorenzi from the Polytechnic University of Turin, and Professor Calum Gabbutt from Imperial College London.
During the summer school, students worked in diverse teams on modelling tasks directly linked to active cancer research projects. Joel Brown, a pioneer of mathematical oncology, highlighted how cancer’s complex evolution resembles epidemic dynamics, underlining the need for predictive approaches in treatment. “Our goal is to show that personalized medicine should not just mean choosing from existing drugs—it should mean using individualized algorithms as part of the therapy itself,” he said.
Jeffrey West noted the practical value of such collaboration, citing former Szeged PhD student Sadegh Marzban’s transition to postdoctoral work at Moffitt, reflecting strong ties between the institutions.
The event underscored Szeged’s growing role in advancing mathematical oncology, a field that blends biology, clinical insights, and mathematical innovation to reshape cancer treatment strategies.
Source: University of Szeged & István Sahin-Tóth
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