NuCapCure 2025: Reflecting on a Year of Progress in Glioblastoma Research and Looking Ahead to 2026
As 2025 comes to a close, NuCapCure reaches an exciting moment of reflection, a chance to look back on a year of rapid scientific progress, strengthened partnerships, and shared determination to change the future of glioblastoma treatment. This year has brought experimental milestones, enhanced collaborations across Europe, and the expansion of a vision that unites researchers, clinicians, families, and communities affected by glioblastoma.
Nothing captured this spirit more clearly than the 2nd meeting of the Oslo NuCapCure teams from University of Oslo (UiO) and Oslo University Hospital (OUS). A retreat-style gathering from 4–6 December 2025, hosted aboard the Colorline ship Fantasy travelling between Oslo and Kiel. With the waves of the North Sea below and the horizon stretching ahead, the meeting offered a symbolic and meaningful setting for reviewing how far the project has come and charting the next steps of our ambitious journey.
A gathering that brought science and people closer together
The retreat brought together members of UiO and OUS teams, including Sunniva Siem, Andreas Görgen, Marianna Canonaco, and Andrius Kleinauskas on behalf of UiO and Eirik Malinen, Tine Raabe, Elin Ryan, Petras Juzenas, Beata Grallert, and Svein Arnesen from OUS.
Over two days, the team exchanged scientific insights, shared updates from the year’s experiments, and shaped the upcoming research phases. The project coordinator, Theodossis Theodossiou representing both UiO and OUS, not only led the strategic discussions but also participated fully in the shipboard retreat reinforcing the sense of unity and shared purpose across teams.
The hybrid format allowed the consortium’s wider expertise to be felt onboard. We connected with the National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos” (NCSRD) team, represented by Kostas Stefanopoulos and Antigoni Kalamara, who shared progress from their simulations and analysis following their recent visit to Oslo. Also joining virtually from NCSRD was Thanos Papakyriakou who gave a crucial and informative talk about the molecular modelling of the NuCapCure compounds interaction with crucial intracellular enzymes.
On the second day, Angela Corvino from the Institut Curie in Paris joined remotely as a guest speaker to present developments in mini-beam proton therapy, offering inspiration for future concepts within the project.
The meeting strengthened not only our scientific direction, but the bonds of the consortium itself. Shared meals, informal discussions, and the unique environment of the ship created space for creative thinking and genuine connection. A reminder that transformative science grows out of strong human collaboration.
With every step, our mission remains clear: to develop a targeted, precise, and patient-centered therapy capable of transforming the prognosis for people living and diagnosed with glioblastoma.
A message of gratitude and determination
As we close the year, we extend heartfelt thanks to all our partners, collaborators, funders, and the families and patients who inspire our work every day. Your support and dedication make progress possible.
From the team onboard the Fantasy to every laboratory, clinic, computer model, and meeting room across Europe, NuCapCure ends 2025 with deep gratitude, strengthened resolve, and excitement for what 2026 will bring.
The horizon is bright, and together we are moving closer to a breakthrough.
