Interdisciplinary event on occupation, environment and cancer: etiology and prevention
Event
|Published
To prevent cancer and implement meaningful measures of exposure reduction, it is crucial to understand the causes of cancer. Cause-specific analyses of cancer risk have been conducted at the Cancer Registry of Norway in various environmental and occupational settings since the 1970s in collaboration with national and international partners. Despite the fact that today's working environments are generally safer than 50 years ago, research on how low-level occupational exposures affect cancer risk is still important, as exposure levels in many workplaces approach those in ambient air - relevant to the general population. The upcoming event will address these issues by presenting ongoing state-of-the research from national and international experts.
Event details
- 25.09.2025 - 26.09.2025
- 06:00 - 18:00
- Seminar
- The Norwegian Institute of Public Health’s Auditorium, Lovisenberggata 8, Domus Medica, Room L-200, University of Oslo and Deichman Bjørvika, Anne-Cath. Vestlys plass 1
Registration seminar Thursday September 25th
Registration early career workshop Friday September 26th
Seminar, Thursday 25th September
The Norwegian Institute of Public Health’s Auditorium, Lovisenberggata 8, 0456 Oslo | Virtual Access: Microsoft Teams
The seminar will consist of three separate sessions followed by a panel debate, with the aim of strengthening national collaboration within occupational and environmental cancer epidemiology, benefiting from both national and international expertise, as well as laying the foundations for future collaborations.
Keynotes are Prof. Kurt Straif (Boston College, US), Dr. Katherine McGlynn (NCI, US), and Prof. Paolo Vineis (Imperial College, UK).
The first session will highlight the current challenges related to occupational and environmental cancer, with a focus on how changing exposure patterns and levels have affected cancer risk, and how identification of carcinogens has shaped policy. The second session will focus on environmental carcinogens, with particular emphasis on PFAS, nickel, air pollution and other agents that may affect cancer risk. The third session will address the current situation within occupational and environmental cancer and look at how we can identify and manage future risks using current knowledge.
In the panel debate, the speakers will discuss different perspectives on the prevention of environmental and occupational cancer.
To promote collaboration and networking, PhD students and postdoctoral fellows will have the opportunity to present their research through poster presentations during the lunch break. A prize will be awarded for the best poster presentation.
For more information, see the program Environment, occupation and cancer: etiology and prevention.
The seminar is open to students, researchers, professionals, and others interested in the links between occupation, environment and cancer. Participation is free of charge, but registration is required.
Early Career Workshop, Friday 26th September
Domus Medica, Room L-200, University of Oslo | In-person only
This workshop offers a unique opportunity for master students, PhD students, and postdoctoral fellows to engage directly with senior researchers and connect with peers across institutions.
The workshop will focus on career development, networking, and strategies for impactful career paths and job opportunities within epidemiological and toxicological research, or public health focusing on preventable risk factors. It will also highlight the importance of dissemination and science communication across various platforms, including social and news media.
The event is designed to inspire and equip the next generation of researchers with the skills, insights, and networks needed to advance in this field.
For more information, see the preliminary program Early career perspectives in environmental and occupational science.
Participation is free, but registration is required.
European Research Night, Friday 26th September
Deichman Bjørvika, Anne-Cath. Vestlys plass 1, 0150 Oslo | Drop-in between 17:00–20:00 | Open to all ages
Forever chemicals and safety: How research uncovers the past and secures the future?
The event will focus on PFAS – per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances – also known as “perpetual chemicals”, which break down very slowly in nature and can affect health over time. You will meet researchers from various fields, learn how we investigate the connection between chemical exposure and health, and experience interactive stations and activities.
Behind the event is a research project led by the Cancer Registry of Norway and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, supported by the Norwegian Cancer Society, which is investigating the link between PFAS and cancer risk using the Janus Serum Biobank.
A short film (10 minutes) will also be shown that explains the challenges with perpetual chemicals in a simple way.
Participation is free. Registration is not required.
The event has been supported by: NOFE and UIO: Life Science
