The American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024 will mark the 10th anniversary of the AACR’s NextGen Stars Program by welcoming in a class of 10 outstanding early-career scientists. Since 2014, the program has supported the professional advancement of graduate students, postdocs, and assistant professors by providing highly visible opportunities to present scientific findings at the Annual Meeting.

Hear from one of the newest NextGen Stars in their own words, below, and click here to read Q&As with other members of the NextGen Stars Class of 2024.

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Olivier Saulnier, PhD

AACR NextGen Stars Class of 2024
Junior Group Leader
Institut Curie, Paris, France

Abstract Presentation:
NG06 – Tracing the developmental origins of group 3 medulloblastoma

Session Details:
SY27 – Targeting Aberrant Transcription in Pediatric Cancer
Monday, April 8, 12:30 – 2 p.m. PT
Room 33, Upper Level, Convention Center

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What is the subject of your research?
My presentation will highlight the use of high-throughput, single-cell data from the normal embryonic hindbrain to inform biology of Group 3 medulloblastoma and in particular the cellular origins and the tumor cell hierarchies of this deadly cancer.

What sparked your interest in this area of research, and why is it important?
Childhood brain tumors are highly prevalent compared to their adult counterparts, suggesting an important role of brain development in the origin of pediatric brain tumors. Thus, understanding the normal relationships during embryonic development is crucial to better characterize how these tumors arise and how to use these vulnerabilities to find new therapeutic strategies.

What (or who) inspired you to apply for the NextGen Stars program?
The AACR NextGen Stars program is an incredible opportunity for scientists to present their work during the AACR Annual Meeting. Back in 2016, I attended the Annual Meeting and this is how I found the lab where I did my postdoc. So now I’m extremely happy to present my work and I hope this will fuel discussions in the field of pediatric oncology.

What are you looking forward to as a member of the NextGen Stars?
I’m extremely grateful to be an awardee of the AACR NextGen Stars program. I’m looking forward to meeting new people, discussing future horizons in cancer research, and fostering collaborative projects!