Welcome to TransPan
Identification of biological markers for prevention and translational medicine in pancreatic cancer
Pancreatic cancer (PC) has a high mortality rate and is projected to become a massive public health problem in Europe. The TRANSPAN COST action aims to boost research on the prevention of PC, particularly in the discovery of genetic risk factors, risk stratification, identification of biomarkers for early detection and patient monitoring, elucidation of biological mechanisms and functional pharmacogenomics for personalised medicine.
COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) is a funding agency for research and innovation networks. Our Actions help connect research initiatives across Europe and enable scientists to grow their ideas by sharing them with their peers. This boosts their research, career and innovation
These aims will be attained by expanding an existing interdisciplinary network and organised in four working groups
Working Group 1 - Disease Risk Profiling
This WG will use germline genetic variants, epigenetics, transcriptomics and environmental factors to model disease risk and apply risk stratification scores to better select individuals eligible to be screened for PC or its precursors.
Working Group 2 - Non-Invasive Biomarkers
This WG will apply state-of-the-art liquid biopsies for the detection and characterization of circulating tumor cells and DNA, tumor-derived exosomes, tumor-educated platelets, epigenetic markers, and will test their diagnostic value for PC precursors and early-stage PC.
Working Group 3 - Tumor Profiling
Genomic, epigenomic and transcriptional profiling of PC and its precursors in a multiregional analysis fashion will be used to identify novel biomarkers with prognosis and predictive value for PC patient stratification.
Working Group 4 - Functional genomics and therapy
This WG will functionally validate candidate genetic variants from germline or tumor studies by using cutting-edge approaches such as CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing. It will also generate novel approaches such as organoids / zebrafish avatars to implement (chemo)therapeutic strategies based on the patient in an effort to implement personalized medicine for PC.
TRANSPAN Webinars
We’re pleased to announce the launch of the TRANSPAN webinar series, aimed at sharing recent research and clinical developments, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration, and supporting the training of early career researchers and clinicians. The webinars will take place monthly via Microsoft Teams, last one hour (30-45minutes of presentation and 15-30 minutes of discussion), and be recorded. Speakers—mainly TRANSPAN members—will offer both clinical and research-focused perspectives, with an emphasis on understanding PDAC in a clinical context and exploring translational advances. Certificates of attendance will be provided, and PhD students are especially encouraged to join, as the webinars can support their academic development and may count toward their university program records.
Webinars Videos Available
Click here and go check the video recordings of the past webinars in our dedicated section
Interviews with Members
The TRANSPAN interview section features both video and written conversations with members of the COST Action, sharing their personal experiences, insights, and perspectives on being part of this collaborative European network
Go to the Interviews Page
Click here and go check the interviews made with the TRANSPAN Members
Interviews Available
- Eithne Costello - Leader of Working Group 1
- Alice Usai - Member of Working Group 4
Latest News
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The third Management Committee Meeting of TRANSPAN was hosted this year at the University of Westminster in London, by prof. Pinar Uysal Onganer
The third Management Committee Meeting of TRANSPAN was hosted this year at the University of...
Latest Action Calls
This is a collection of all our calls about Open PhD and Post-Doc Positions, Short-Term Scientific Missions, Training Schools and other Grant Opportunities
Call for Short-Term Scientific Mission (STSM) Applications - 2026
Dear TRANSPAN members,
We are pleased to announce the opening of the Short-Term Scientific Mission (STSM) Call 2026 under the COST Action CA21116 TRANSPAN.
STSMs support short-term international research visits that directly contribute to TRANSPAN’s scientific objectives. These grants follow the official COST rules and procedures, and applicants are encouraged to carefully review both the COST Annotated Rules and the TRANSPAN-specific call document for 2026, which outlines additional guidance, eligibility, evaluation criteria, timelines, and budget rules.
The call will operate in three application windows, with deadlines on 15 December 2025, 25 January 2026, and 25 March 2026.
For detailed instructions on eligibility, budget, and how to apply, please refer to the full call document here:
For any questions, please contact the Grant Awarding Coordinator, Manuel Gentiluomo
We encourage all interested members, especially Young Researchers and Innovators and participants from Inclusiveness Target Countries, to apply.
Kind regards,
The TRANSPAN Core Group
COST Action CA21116 – TRANSPAN