Interdisciplinary event on occupation, environment and cancer: etiology and prevention

Although today’s work environments are generally safer than they were 50 years ago, it is still important to understand how low-level exposure affects cancer risk. As exposure levels in many occupations approach those found in the air around us, it is crucial to understand what cancer risk such levels may pose to the general population as well.

The organized event spans three consecutive days and consists of several parts: a pre-conference discussion meeting, an interdisciplinary seminar, a workshop for early career researchers, and a research night. Together, these will help highlight and discuss key challenges within the field.

Pre-conference discussion meeting, Wednesday 24th September

• Cancer Registry of Norway's meeting room “Makro”, Ullernchausseen 64, 0379 Oslo (Google Maps) | In-person attendance only

During the pre-conference discussion meeting, leading international experts will explore how different data sources can be integrated to improve cancer prevention. Several short flash talks will introduce diverse perspectives on the topic, followed by a panel debate with all experts. This pre-conference session will be highly interactive and provide a unique opportunity to strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration and foster dialogue between researchers, policymakers, and practitioners working in occupational and environmental health.

For more information, see the program Pre-conference discussion meeting - How to exploit occupational, environmental, and health-registry data together in cancer prevention?

Participation is free, but registration is required.

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. Therese H. Nøst (University of Tromsø, Norway), 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

• University of Oslo Domus Medica, Room L-200, Sognsvannsveien 9, 0372 Oslo | In-person attendance 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 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

How research uncovers the past and secures the future - The story of eternal chemicals

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, UIO: Life Science, and the Research Council of Norway