Today, at the Godard Cinema of Fondazione Prada in Milan, the opening press conference of the “Joint International Conference 2025: Innovation in Oncology – New Drugs and the Impact of Artificial Intelligence” was held. The event is organized by Fondazione Gianni Bonadonna with the support of Prada Group, Fondazione Michelangelo, and the European School of Oncology. Scheduled for November 12–13, 2025, this international event brings together leading global experts in oncology—clinicians and researchers—for two intensive days dedicated to innovation in cancer research and care.

The scientific program will address two major challenges in contemporary oncology research: on one hand, the latest frontiers in drug development and therapeutic strategies to overcome tumor resistance mechanisms; on the other, the growing impact of Artificial Intelligence in precision medicine. Topics will include the role of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in monitoring and personalizing treatment, the potential of radiomics and computational pathology to identify new prognostic and predictive biomarkers, and the use of models capable of integrating clinical and digital data in real time, “from cloud to bedside.”

“This Conference represents a unique opportunity to delve into highly relevant topics, such as the application of Artificial Intelligence in oncology, offering a top-level educational experience for oncologists—professionals who are now called upon to understand and lead the profound changes that technological innovation and research are bringing to precision medicine.” – emphasized Alberto Costa, CEO of the European School of Oncology.

During the press conference, ongoing and future initiatives resulting from the collaboration between Fondazione Gianni Bonadonna and Prada Group were also presented, starting with the recent launch of the “Concerted Research Institute”—a collaborative network uniting the Institut du Cancer de Montpellier (France), the National Cancer Institute of Milan, and IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele of Milan, coordinated by Fondazione Gianni Bonadonna. This strategic alliance aims to promote preclinical, clinical, and translational research projects, fostering the sharing of expertise, resources, and know-how among the network’s centers of excellence.

Another area of action for the Foundation is the support and mentoring of small, promising biotech companies, with the goal of launching preclinical and clinical research programs for the development of next-generation antibodies. Among these is Cathinvest, an innovative startup focused on developing new therapeutic strategies based on the inhibition of Cathepsin D, a key protein in the progression of several solid tumors.

“The Foundation’s goal is to coordinate, within the Concerted Research Institute, the preclinical, clinical, and translational research capabilities of major institutions and outstanding researchers, to foster academic research and the innovation developed by small biotech companies.” – stated Luca Gianni, President of Fondazione Gianni Bonadonna

A central focus is also placed on training and empowering the next generation of researchers, with the announcement of the continuation of the “Gianni Bonadonna Fellowship,” promoted by Fondazione Gianni Bonadonna with the support of Prada Group and in collaboration with the European School of Oncology. This initiative offers young oncologists and hematologists the opportunity to spend a training period at Institutions of excellence abroad, helping to shape the future leadership of oncology research. The conference also presented the first edition of the “Gianni Bonadonna Prize,” awarded this year to two young researchers recognized for the originality, independence, and clinical impact of their work. Through these initiatives, the Foundation seeks to honor and pursue the vision of Gianni Bonadonna, whose passing is commemorated this year on its tenth anniversary—a tribute to his extraordinary scientific and human legacy, which continues to inspire the international oncology community.

“We believe that education and culture are essential tools for understanding the present and imagining the future. As Gianni Bonadonna taught us, supporting young researchers means investing in knowledge and social responsibility, so that cancer research can continue to transform people’s lives.” – concluded Miuccia Prada.