Westminster students collaborate with academics to present poster at 15th European Breast Cancer Conference in Barcelona

Eight students visited Spain between 23-27 March for an academic field trip led by School of Life Sciences International Co-Leads Dr Joan Liu and Dr Adele McCormick.  

The trip began with a visit to the University of Girona (UdG), a new partner institute for Westminster’s Study Abroad programme for 2026-27. The group was welcomed by Dr Margarita Martínez Medina, Vice-Dean for External Relations at UdG, and was introduced to a diverse portfolio of research projects on biological diversity, microbial electrochemistry, biotechnology and chemistry by their senior research teams. The group gained an insight into the type of projects that Westminster Biomedical Science with International Experience BSc Honours students could work on while on a placement year at UdG.  

Westminster students at University of Girona

The group then attended the 15th European Breast Cancer Conference held at the International Barcelona Convention Centre. The conference highlighted the importance of breast cancer awareness, early prevention and continued advancements in research, as well as international and global collaboration in research and care for patients.  

Students presented a teaching and research poster on breast cancer co-authored by Westminster colleagues Dr Liu, Dr McCormick, Dr Heidi Sowter, Dr Nadège Presneau, Dr Maria Neofytou, Dr Dipankar Sengupta and Dr Lorna Tinworth. They presented to leaders in clinical research and medical affairs at Roche and Menarini, as well as oncologists and researchers from the Catalan Institute of Oncology.

The students had the chance to engage with expert speakers and global organisations including the European Breast Cancer Coalition (EUROPA DONNA) and the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC), as well as industrial companies such as AstraZeneca and Sysmex Europe.  

The group also connected with Westminster alumni Rūta Ivanauskienė and Cristina Pardo, who shared honest and insightful reflections on their career journeys. While visiting Cristina’s workplace at the hospital complex Parc Sanitari Pere Virgili, the group also engaged with a diverse range of professionals, including physiotherapists and the company’s Head of Pharmacy, helping students to appreciate the breadth of career pathways available in the Life Sciences industry.  

Tour of the hospital complex Parc Sanitari Pere Virgili

The field trip, which was generously funded by the University of Westminster and the Quintin Hogg Trust (QHT), highlighted the importance of global exposure in developing scientific knowledge as well as communication, confidence, networking and professional skills. This reflects the University’s commitment to global engagement as a community of colleagues, students and alumni who engage with and help shape the future of the world.

About the trip Biomedical Science with International Experience BSc Honours student Camila Lenz said: “As a final-year student, I am at an important stage of my journey, reflecting on the next steps in my career. Attending the conference allowed me to broaden my perspective, gain insight into different career paths and further strengthen my motivation to pursue a career in cancer research.”

Daniela Artelles Escalante, a second-year Biomedical Science BSc Honours student, said: “As a student, it’s easy to feel like you’re still far from making a real impact. But being surrounded by industry leaders such as AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly, researchers and innovators, completely shifted that perspective. Hearing their stories, learning about their work and seeing the passion they bring to improving patient outcomes made everything feel more tangible and possible.”

About the conference Emily Ing, also a second-year Biomedical Science BSc Honours student, said: “The talk delivered by EUROPA DONNA entitled How Far Can AI Take Breast Cancer Care? was deeply insightful and engaging. The variety of speakers gave well-rounded viewpoints on the future benefits of AI in healthcare. It was fantastic to meet representatives from EUROPA DONNA head office to further understand how vital their work is in breast cancer awareness and advocacy.”

The trip directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3: Good Health and Well-being, 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.  

Learn more about Biological and Biomedical Sciences courses at the University of Westminster.