Hands-On Experience in Cancer Research: The FFG Talent Project

The Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute/Tiroler Krebsforschungsinstitut (TKFI) unites research groups from the Medical University of Innsbruck (MUI) and the Leopold-Franzens-University (LFU) in a collaborative effort to investigate cancer proteins and to identify potential targets for personalized cancer therapies. Our institute is committed to advancing the understanding of this complex disease while also providing opportunities for younger audiences to gain insights into our work. Through the FFG Talent Project, we offered a hands-on experience to young people, which allowed them to develop a deeper understanding of basic cancer research.

This August, we welcomed Paula and Yannik for an internship focused on exploring off-target effects of drug candidates. Under the guidance of our laboratory manager and chemist, Thomas Nuener, they explored various areas of our research groups. The youngsters actively participated in experiments and utilized drug sensors developed at the University of Innsbruck to assist ongoing basic research projects. The FFG Talent Project not only offers hands-on laboratory experience but also exposes interns to the broader scientific community.

To further enrich their experience, Paula and Yannik had the opportunity to participated in the EBEC Congress 2024, a European Bioenergetics Conference.