28 Apr My Thesis in 180 Seconds: Two PhD Students on the Mic, Two Visions for Fighting Cancer
On March 27th, the University of Bordeaux hosted the local final of the “My Thesis in 180 Seconds” competition: a now-unmissable event that challenges PhD students to present their research in just three minutes—with clarity, humor, and passion.
Among the finalists were two familiar faces in Bordeaux’s cancer research community: Gorann Lepied, a joint PhD student at BRIC and the ARNA laboratory, and Myroslava Sliusar, a PhD student at BRIC.
From Tacos to Targeted Therapy: Humor in the Service of Research
From his opening lines, Gorann Lepied (Team 4) took the audience on a cleverly crafted journey, starting with our stomachs, sometimes abused by questionable eating habits. But humor quickly gave way to a serious issue: gastric cancer. More specifically, the type caused by the transformation of cancer stem cells—infamous for their resistance to treatment. To neutralize them, Gorann explained that he chose a strategy with surgical precision: the use of bispecific aptamers, which he described as “molecular missiles” capable of selectively targeting cancer cells while sparing healthy ones. A promising step forward in the realm of innovative treatments known as targeted therapies.
Myroslava Sliusar: Tracking the Roots of Glioblastoma
Another highlight of the final was the presentation by Myroslava Sliusar, a PhD student at BRIC, who spoke about one of the most aggressive forms of cancer: glioblastoma, a brain tumor that remains incurable to this day. With clarity and conviction, she explained her work analyzing proteins expressed by tumor stem cells—true “mother cells” of cancer, known for their resistance to conventional treatments. Her team is particularly focused on galectin-3, a key protein for the survival of these cells. Recent results show that blocking this molecule reduced the proliferation of stem cells by 50% within a week. A promising lead for developing more targeted and effective treatments.
Three Minutes to Convince, but Years to Innovate
Through these two presentations, the richness and diversity of cancer research came to life. From the ARNA laboratory to BRIC, and onto the stage of the university theater, these PhD students embody a new generation of scientists who combine rigor, dedication, and the ability to make science engaging and accessible.
We warmly congratulate Gorann and Myroslava on their outstanding presentations and are especially proud to count them among the BRIC community. May their journeys inspire other young researchers to make their voices heard… in 180 seconds or more!
Watch their presentations by clicking one of the links below:
