We host an international scientific conclave on follicular lymphoma

Our Research Institute has recently hosted an international scientific conclave focused on advancing towards a cure for follicular lymphoma, one of the most common types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

The meeting was jointly organized by the Follicular Lymphoma Foundation and the Instituto de Investigación contra la Leucemia Josep Carreras, bringing together leading experts in research, medicine and multiple scientific disciplines with the aim of addressing the remaining unmet challenges of this disease.

Unlike traditional scientific meetings, the conclave was designed as a space to work collaboratively on shared priorities and define concrete actions that can make a real difference for patients. “This was not a traditional meeting,” explained Dr. Emma France, Global CEO of the Follicular Lymphoma Foundation. “It was designed to ask different questions, connect knowledge that doesn’t usually intersect, and help shape the future of the field. The goal now is to act: to turn insights into programs, priorities, and sustained momentum toward a cure or cures.”

One of the key aspects of the meeting was the need to move towards greater coordination in research. Rather than working in parallel, participants focused on how to align efforts and connect advances across fields such as cancer biology, clinical research, data science and emerging technologies.

“We will only move faster if high-quality science is connected through coordinated strategies,” said Dr. Ari Melnick, Director of the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute. “This conclave has created the framework for that coordination and lays the foundation for work that can significantly change the trajectory of follicular lymphoma research.”

Knowledge translation—that is, how to bring scientific discoveries into real impact for patients—was another central focus. Throughout the conclave, participants identified areas where progress has slowed and where increased collaboration and investment could have the greatest impact.

The meeting was preceded by the scientific symposium “Advancing Knowledge and Accelerating Cures in Follicular Lymphoma”, which brought together more than 150 participants from the follicular lymphoma community at local, regional and global levels. This space enabled participants to share data, assess the current state of the field, and explore emerging research directions.

The conclave is intended as a starting point. The conclusions and priorities identified will now be developed collaboratively into future research programs, coordinated initiatives, and funding opportunities, with the aim of accelerating progress from the laboratory to clinical practice.

“This work is about charting the path forward,” said Dr. Emma France. “Real impact will be measured by how what emerged here translates into sustained collaboration, investment, and progress for patients.”

At the Josep Carreras Foundation, we continue to work to promote more coordinated and results-driven research, convinced that collaboration is key to moving faster towards a cure.