Professor Ana Cvejic receives a grant to better understand the interplay between immune cells and cancer

Ana Cvejic was around 12 years old when she first became interested in biology and the human body. Already at that point she knew that she wanted to become a scientist.

Little did she know that she would be a Professor at BRIC, at the University of Copenhagen, receiving a grant to pursue a research project in cancer biology.

“Getting a grant or award is always something that I feel proud about. It is about the recognition for all the hard work of both previous and upcoming research,” she says.

Usually Ana Cvejic’s research focus is on blood stem cells. However, the DNRF Chair Grant will allow her to expand her research portfolio and gain expertise in translational research.

“This award will allow me to go beyond my current research activities and investigate how the tumor microenvironment is changing the behavior of immune cells. I want to understand how tumour cells “reprogram” immune cells, to promote their growth and spread instead of attacking the tumor and killing it” - she explains.

A motivation to make a difference

The time spent in biology classes in primary school kickstarted Ana’s interest in science. But what keeps her going is the excitement that comes with new discoveries and the hope that some of her findings will help to advance our understanding of human health and disease.

“The field of science is vast, and sometimes when I read about other people’s work I get new ideas, which inspire me to move away from my comfort zone and try something new and challenging,” Ana Cvejic says and adds:

“Over time being a scientist becomes part of your personality and that keeps you going. Scientists around the world are making great discoveries and I hope that some of the work we do in my lab will matter beyond just publishing a manuscript, and make a difference for society.”

Contact

Professor Ana Cvejic
ana.cvejic@bric.ku.dk

 

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