NUOC Northwest 2026 | BONUS Official

ONCO X 2026

2nd ANNUAL
NATIONAL UNDERGRADUATE ONCOLOGY CONFERENCE

|

LIVERPOOL
Saturday 25 April 2026

NORTHWEST

ONCO X 2026 builds on the success of Moonshot 2025, exploring often overlooked areas of cancer care from early life to end of life. With added emphasis on paediatric and palliative perspectives, the conference brings together student societies across specialties allied with oncology including surgery, radiology, and pathology fostering collaboration and dialogue across the multidisciplinary team.

From Early Life to End of Life; Exploring the Unexplored

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Admission prices of £6 will be available to purchase until April 17th 2026, 5pm GMT..

After purchasing a ticket, you will be sent a separate form to fill in to complete registration. You may indicate dietary preferences and accessibility requests here. Please feel free to contact nuocnorthwest@gmail.com for any queries regarding registration and the event.

A ticket (£6) will give you access to the full day of events, including keynote lectures from cancer experts across the region, interactive workshops to explore various aspects of the Oncology multi-disciplinary team, research poster sessions, and networking opportunities. This ticket includes lunch.

Profits from ticket sales and bake sale will be donated to Northwest Cancer Research, who we are happy to be supporting through this conference

All those interested in presenting abstracts at the conference are invited to submit their work to the Committee for review.
Any submissions will be anonymized prior to receipt by the committee and scored according to relevance, originality, scientific content, overall clarity and impact.
The highest scoring abstracts will be invited to give a 5-minute presentation to the congress; all other submissions will be offered to present as a poster.
There will be a prize for the winning presentation, and certificates for all presenters. This conference is run by students, for students; please only submit if you are still within your university studies (this includes intercalating students).
We welcome relevant submissions from students across all components of the Oncology MDT; Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Radiology, etc. Unfortunately we will not be accepting submissions from MB-PhD students.

Abstract instructions: Maximum word count: 250 words.

Any submissions in excess will automatically be rejected.

Deadline: 27th March 2026

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR ABSTRACTS

Where is it?

Liverpool Guild of Students

When is it?

April 25th, 2026

Who can attend?

We encourage anyone interested in cancer to attend, with a particular emphasis on medical students and resident doctors - foundation years and core trainees!

Why Onco X?

The name Onco X was derived from Cancer X, the follow-up to the Project Moonshot initiative. Moonshot was the name of the American government's initiative and goal to propel progress in cancer research and reduce cancer deaths by 50% through fostering collaboration amongst scientists, doctors and patients globally.

Research and Collaboration

ONCO X 2026 presents an opportunity to network and explore research ideas. Many students and doctors miss out on excellent research opportunities not because of lack of interest, but because they have not yet found the right project or collaborators. If you resonate with this, sign up as ONCO X 2026 is here to change this! Here you will be able to meet clinicians and researchers who may help shape your next research project, elective or academic application. This will greatly improve your portfolio and help you secure research fellowships, elective funding schemes and bursaries.

NORTHWEST CANCER RESEARCH

Northwest Cancer Research play a key role in funding life-saving research on cancers particularly prevalent in the Northwest population. Through fundraising events, charity partnerships, health education and research projects, they pave the way for a future encompassing advancements in cancer care and treatment options. Therefore, through ONCO X 2026 we will be fundraising for Northwest Cancer Research to support their important work in the region.

Time	Session
8:15	Registration
9:00	Welcome Address/MDU
9:10	Introduction to Medical Oncology and Translational research - Dr Phil Savage - Medical Oncologist
9:50	Introduction to Radiotherapy - Professor Peter Hoskin - Clinical Oncologist at the Christie/Mount Vernon
10:30	Northwest Cancer Research Charity Talk
10.40	Morning break
11:10	Workshops - session 1
12:00	Student Oral Presentations
12:30	Lunch/Poster Session
13:20	An Introduction to Paediatric Oncology -Hannah Simpson - Nurse and Oncology Medical Advisor at the Christie
14:00	Radiotherapy in Children and Young People - Professor Mark Gaze - Clinical Oncologist at UCLH/GOSH
14:40	Afternoon Break
15:10	Workshop Session 2
16:00	An Introduction to Paediatric Palliative Medicine - Dr Lynda Brooks - Consultant at Alderhey Children's Hospital
16:40	Closing Remarks

Dr Nicky Thorp

Clinical Oncology Consultant

Paediatric Radiotherapy

Nicky trained in medicine at the University of Leicester and completed her specialist oncology training at the Clatterbridge Cancer Centre. She was appointed as a consultant clinical oncologist in 2001 at Clatterbridge, with subspeciality interests in breast cancer, paediatric radiotherapy and late effects. In 2019 Nicky took up her current post at the Christie Hospital in Manchester, specialising in photon and proton beam therapy for children. Her research interests are in paediatric tumours and radiotherapy quality assurance. She was previously radiotherapy lead for the National Cancer Research Institute CCL CNS Subgroup and is UK radiotherapy lead for the pan-European International Society of

Paediatric Oncology (SIOP) Ependymoma II study.

Nicky was Medical Director for Professional Practice for Clinical Oncology at the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) from September 2021 to August 2024 and is currently Co-

lead for Wellbeing at the College. She has served two terms on the RCR’s Clinical Oncology Faculty Board and is the current Vice-President, Clinical Oncology at the RCR.

Nicky was Associate Medical Director at Clatterbridge between 2010 and 2016. Her roles included clinical lead for the new build Clatterbridge Cancer Centre-Liverpool.

She served on the Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group (CCLG) Executive and is past chair of the CCLG Radiotherapy and Neuro-oncology Groups.

Outside of medicine, she is a trustee for the National Museums Liverpool Foundation Board

and a school governor

Professor Peter Hoskin

Clinical Oncologist,

Christie/Mount Vernon

Introduction to Radiotherapy

Peter Hoskin trained in clinical oncology at the Royal Marsden Hospital London and has been consultant in clinical oncology at Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, Northwood UK since 1992.

He is Professor in Clinical Oncology in the University of Manchester, Honorary Professor in Clinical Oncology at University College London and honorary consultant in clinical oncology at the Christie Hospital, Manchester and University College Hospital, London.

In Manchester he leads the Radiotherapy Related Research Group (RRR) and personal research interests focus on brachytherapy, radiosensitisation, biomarkers, radiotherapy quality assurance and palliative radiotherapy.

He has published extensively and was Editor of Clinical Oncology for 15 years. He is now Clinical Editor for Radiotherapy and Oncology and sits on several journal editorial boards including Brachytherapy and the Journal of Contemporary Brachytherapy

Dr Philip Savage

Medical Oncologist

An Introduction to Medical Oncology and Translational Research

Dr Philip Savage trained in Medical Oncology at the Royal Marsden and Imperial Hospitals and was for a number of years a Consultant at Charing Cross Hospital in London where he was part of the team looking after the patients with gestational trophoblastic tumours. Dr Savage has jointly published over 50 papers on this rare malignancy focusing on treatments and outcomes, epidemiology, epigenetics and survivorship.

Following a career break in Vancouver Island, Canada, working for the British Columbia Cancer Agency, he has is now working in Cardiff primarily on translational scientific research focusing on immunotherapy and cancer epigenetics.

Dr Savage has written a number of regional and national treatment guidelines and published over 130 papers on clinical practice and cancer research

Dr Lynda Brooks

Consultant,

Alderhey Children’s Hospital

An introduction to Paediatric Palliative Medicine

Lynda trained in paediatric oncology and palliative care before being appointed as a Paediatric Palliative Care Consultant at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital Liverpool in June 2003. Lynda was a trustee of Claire House Children’s Hospice from 1999 - 2015 and has been a trustee of Liverpool Zoe’s Place Hospice since December 2024. She is recognised nationally and internationally as a leader in Paediatric Palliative care.

Lynda chaired the Association for Paediatric Palliative Medicine (APPM) from 2009 – 2012. Lynda took over Editor of the APPM Formulary for the 6th 2024 Edition having been Deputy Editor since 2020. She is now leading a number of initiatives developing the formulary further including supplements for renal impairment and neonates, translations into various languages and research collaboration with the aim of increasing the evidence base for prescribing in paediatric palliative care.

Lynda has contributed to the national and international literature including 12 peer reviewed publications, 3 book chapters and numerous presentations of original research and guest lectureships.

Lynda’s interests include improving understanding of the concept of palliative care amongst professionals and the general public. Her work on prognostication and identifying children with palliative care needs led to the development of the Spectrum of Children’s Palliative Care needs. Lynda developed advance care planning and advanced communication skills courses for paediatric palliative care. She has a keen interest in clinical ethics and in particular the best interests of the child particularly hearing the voice of the child as part of decision making and deciding for children when they cannot decide for themselves.

Hanna Simpson

Haematology & TYA Directorate Lead Nurse

Dept 30

The Christie Hospital

Introduction to TYA Cancers

I qualified from Salford University with a BSC (Hons) degree in Paediatric Nursing. I have a Bsc Hons in Children, Community Nursing, and various other qualifications in the early 2000s. I have worked within Paediatric/TYA Haematology/Oncology and Paediatric Palliative Care for my entire career.

I am passionate about patient care and educating and leading the NHS staff of the future into providing the highest quality care. So much so my eldest daughter is an FY1 and my youngest is a student nurse !

My secret passion is for chickens - I have a flock of 30 rare breed chickens!

Arrival

Registration takes place from 8:00 AM to 8:30 AM.

You will be greeted by the members of the organising committee on arrival and given an ID badge as part of registration.

The Welcome Address will begin promptly at 8:30 AM.

Location

Liverpool Guild of Students

160 Mount Pleasant, Liverpool, L3 5TR

Parking

Information on parking can be found here - https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/about/visit-us/car-parking/

Travel and Transport Costs

As this is a student-led conference, unfortunately, we are unable to provide any financial support to participants in regards to travel, transport and accommodation.

Less than 20-minutes walk from Liverpool Limestreet.

Less than1 hour from Manchester.

Lunch

Lunch will be provided to all participants during the conference - the cost of this is included in the registration fee. If you do not wish to take the provided lunch, there are lots of cafes and shops within walking distance to the venue !

Bakesale

We are organising a bakesale during the conference to raise funds for Northwest Cancer Research !

Participants Networking Group - BONUS App

We are happy to be collaborating with BONUS (British Oncology Network of Undergraduate Societies) !

Dr Matthew Clarke

Consultant Pathologist,

GOSH

Pathology of Paediatric Brain Tumours

Matt is a Clinician Scientist and Consultant Paediatric Neuropathologist at Great Ormond Street Hospital and the Institute of Cancer Research. He trained at Keele Medical School and completed a PhD in the molecular pathology of infant gliomas.

Matt is a former Chair of the RCPath Trainees’ Advisory Committee and of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, Trainee Doctors’ Group. He is the BDIAP Meetings Secretary and former Editor of ‘ACP news’.

He has received awards for public engagement, research, and science communication and featured in the Pathology Power List 2021. He is RCPath lead for foundation and undergraduate pathology.

Neil Ranasinghe

CRCTU Chair

How to Navigate Difficult Conversations with Parents ?

Neil is a parent of a survivor of childhood cancer. He co-founded PORT - a group of parents that have reviewed documentation for over 40 paediatric oncology trials. He is also lay representative on numerous UK trials. Neil is chair of the CRCTU Patient Advisory Board, ensuring the patient voice is heard.

He is on the International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP) Global Mapping Programme Core Team and has an interest in supporting paediatric oncologists and paediatric oncology nurses in low resource settings.

Outside his patient advocacy voluntary work, he is a senior technical writer at the London Stock Exchange.

Dr Philip Savage

Medical Oncologist

GTD Tumours - A basic overview

Dr Savage has written a number of regional and national treatment guidelines and published over 130 papers on clinical practice and cancer research

Dr Rachel Flynn

Palliative Care Consultant, Blackpool

Getting the Basics Right: Symptom Control in Palliative Care (Workshop Session 1 Only)

My name is Rachel Flynn and I am a palliative care specialty doctor. I have worked in palliative care for just over 3 years and have a keen interest in non-malignant life limiting conditions and prescribing safety. I currently work full time in a hospice in Blackpool however I have previously worked within Blackpool's hospital palliative care team and a community palliative care team in Scotland. Outside of palliative care, I enjoy renovating my 100 year old bungalow, gardening and tending to my 5 chickens.

Dr Aruni Ghose

ST3 Medical Oncologist

Introduction to Cardio-Oncology

Dr. Aruni Ghose is a Specialty Doctor in Oncology at the South East Wales Immunotherapy Toxicity Service, Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff and Research Fellow in Cardio-Oncology at the Hatter Cardiovascular Institute, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

He is an NHS Clinical Entrepreneur - Chief Medical Officer at British based OncoFlow AI Cancer CoPilot and Chief Executive Officer at India based CanPrecise AI Precision Oncology Intelligence.

He is a Director at the International Urology Cancer Summit and sits on the Steering Committee of the London Global Cancer Week Cancer Health Disparities, Oncology Council of the Royal Society of Medicine, the Lancet Commission on Cancer Control in the Commonwealth and Future Cancer Leaders Group at the UK and Ireland Global Cancer Network

Role of Radiology in Cancer Care

Dr Tessa Baston is an ST3 radiology registrar in Lancashire, with interests in interventional and GI radiology. Join us for a whistle stop tour of the many roles that radiology plays in cancer care.

Dr Tessa Baston

ST3 Radiology Registrar

Miss Rute Castelhano

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust

Surgical Oncology - Breast

Description: Crucial anatomical considerations, breast cancer types and different surgical approach to treatment, including an overview of reconstruction. Hands-on practice with surgical margins & excision on simulated models.

Miss Rute Castelhano is a General Surgery Registrar in the North West Deanery with a strong interest in breast surgery and surgical education. She is actively involved in national collaborative research and currently undertakes research in conflict resolution in surgery. She serves as Vice-Chair of the North West Breast Research Collaborative (NWBRC), she is the Secretary of the Moynihan Academy, ASGBI. Miss Castelhano is passionate about supporting medical students and junior trainees, with a particular focus on mentorship, wellbeing, and developing practical surgical skills.

Consultants, SAS, Senior Registrars - Why Should You Attend?

Explore the Edges of Your Specialty: Gain structured exposure to niche, underrepresented areas of paediatric oncology — including radiotherapy, cardio-oncology, and palliative care — that rarely feature in postgraduate teaching programmes.

Cross-Specialty Clinical Insight: Understand how the oncology MDT functions beyond your usual role. Whether you're in paediatrics, radiology, pathology or palliative care, this is a rare opportunity to see the full picture in one day.

Shape the Next Generation: Engage directly with motivated medical students and foundation doctors at the start of their careers. Your presence as a clinician adds enormous value — and the conversation goes both ways.

Rediscover What Excited You: Sometimes the best clinical thinking happens when you step outside your routine. This conference was built around curiosity — and that doesn't have a grade boundary.

Meet Your Next Research Collaborator: With our oral presentation session promoting student-led research, identify motivated, high-calibre students looking for projects. If you have a research question or project sitting on the backburner waiting for the right person to drive it, this is where you find them.

Foundation Doctors and Core Trainees - Why Should You Attend?

Fast-Track Your Clinical Experience: Bypass the red tape. Have the chance to network directly with the right contacts to easily arrange high-yield taster weeks in oncology and its sub-specialties.

Supercharge Your Portfolio: Spark your next big idea. Gain the inspiration and connections you need to launch impactful audits, Quality Improvement Projects (QIPs), and cutting-edge research.

Step Outside the Routine: Break away from the standard ward rotation. Experience fascinating, complex aspects of cancer care that you are unlikely to encounter in your day-to-day clinical job.

Discover Your Medical Niche: Unsure of your exact path? Explore under-represented and highly specialized areas of oncology to help shape and define your future career interests.

Learn Directly from the Experts: Gain invaluable mentorship and real-world insights by connecting with seasoned clinicians working across a diverse range of cancer-related fields

A NORTHWEST COLLABORATION

NUOC Northwest is an inter-university collaboration between the student oncology societies of The University of Manchester (Preston), The University of Leeds, University of Central Lancashire, University of Liverpool and Lancaster University - led by medical students, for students.