Setting the Stage for a New Generation of MRD Experts
MIRACLE Winter Academy 2026: Launching Our Training Journey to Combat Leukemia
The MSCA MIRACLE Doctoral Network organises its inaugural Winter Academy on 19, 21, 22, and 23 January 2026 at the Amsterdam UMC, marking a pivotal milestone in our training programme. This event will bring together the MIRACLE Doctoral Candidates (DCs), the MIRACLE beneficiaries and a distinguished lineup of international experts for an intensive week of scientific education, exchange and skills development. Course are open to additional PhD candidates from the Oncology Graduate School Amsterdam. As part of the structured MIRACLE training programme, the Winter Academy aims to equip this next generation of leukemia researchers with the knowledge, tools, and mindset to challenge the persistence of minimal residual disease (MRD) and reshape future leukemia care.
A Unique Scientific and Personal Development Experience
The first two days of the Academy featured a high-level scientific programme, including lectures and keynotes on cutting-edge topics such as MRD detection, single-cell omics, therapy resistance, the leukemic microenvironment, CAR T cell therapy, AI-driven diagnostics, and more. Sessions are led by leading scientists and clinicians from across Europe.
Days three and four focused on personal and professional development. Doctoral Candidates participate in dedicated workshops on personal effectiveness, stress management, and intercultural communication, essential skills for navigating an international, interdisciplinary research environment.
Beyond its academic aims, the MIRACLE Winter Academy fostered a strong sense of community building.
The MIRACLE Winter Academy offers keynote lectures from internationally recognized experts
Insights shared by our speakers are critical not only for training the next generation of researchers but will bring across how they contribute to shaping the broader field of leukemia research and treatment. We are honored and grateful to welcome these experts, find a selection below and open the PDF above to view all.
Rene Bernards
Netherlands Cancer Institute
Keynote about functional genetic screens to identify biomarkers of treatment response and effective treatment combinations
Marion Subklewe
LMU - University Hospital of Munich
Presentation about immunotherapy including cellular therapy and CAR T cells in AML patients
Sergio Rutella
University of Sheffield
Keynote about the immune landscape of Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Madelon Maurice
UMC Utrecht
Presents about targeted membrane protein degradation using heterobispecific antibodies
Daniel Peeper
Netherlands Cancer Institute
Presentation about screening for optimizing immune therapies
Jeanine Stutterheim
Prinses Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology
Presenting about clinical point: therapeutics for ALL patients
Jan Jacob Schuringa
University of Groningen
Presenting about metabolomics and AML
Joop Janssen
Radboud UMC
Clonal hematopoiesis
MIRACLE-Leukemia is a Marie Skłodowska-Curie doctoral network and aims to combat MRD to improve leukemia treatment. MIRACLE stands for "Integrated multi-angle research and training network to eradicate leukemia minimal residual disease."
The MIRACLE-leukemia network consists of 23 partners and employs 10 talented researchers (doctoral candidates) that will perform cutting-edge studies across academic and industrial settings while having training in multidisciplinary and transferable skills.
For more information about the MIRACLE MidTerm Meeting, connect with Ellen de Waal at p.b.dewaal@amsterdamumc.nl
Temporary files: