The first-ever Northwest National Undergraduate Oncology Conference (NUOC) took place on 5th April 2025 at the University of Manchester, drawing students from across the region for a day of expert talks, interactive workshops, and collaboration.
Organised by a coalition of Oncology Societies from Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Central Lancashire, and Lancaster, and supported by the British Oncology Network for Undergraduate Societies (BONUS), NUOC marked a significant milestone in student-led cancer education.
Rachel O’Sullivan, 4th Year Representative of Liverpool Oncology Society, shared her reflections:
We enjoyed a variety of keynote talks including ‘The Cancer Immunotherapy Revolution’, ‘Global Perspectives in Addressing Gaps in Cancer Care’ and ‘Advancing Radiotherapy Techniques’. It was really enjoyable to work alongside students from other medical schools on the marketing and outreach team to publicise and facilitate the conference.
The Northwest National Undergraduate Oncology Conference offered hands-on workshops exploring artificial intelligence in oncology, digital pathology, and radiotherapy planning for bladder cancer, allowing attendees to engage with cutting-edge developments in the field.
For Ciara Merriman, President of the Liverpool Oncology Society, the day was as valuable behind the scenes as it was on stage:
Being the workshop coordinator meant I got to help devise the schedule and organise where attendees would go. Working with other student societies and meeting peers with similar interests was a real highlight. The skills I’ve gained are something I’ll take forward into the future.
Financial logistics were in capable hands thanks to Eilidh Fraser, Treasurer of the Society:
My role was to ensure sufficient funds - through sponsorships, budget management, and ticket sales - to allow the conference to run smoothly. It also widened my understanding of oncology as a career. I’d definitely recommend attending NUOC 2026 to anyone exploring this path.
NUOC 2025 also had a strong charitable focus. Caitlyn Gatenby-Kelly, Social Media Representative, partnered with the Manchester Maggie’s Centre, the conference’s official charity partner:
It was a privilege to support Maggie’s, a charity offering free support to people with cancer and their loved ones. We raised £172.78 during the conference outreach. Maggie’s relies entirely on donations, so every contribution makes a real difference.
With its successful launch, NUOC is poised to become a staple in the undergraduate oncology calendar. As collaboration and innovation continue to grow, NUOC 2026 promises even more opportunities to inspire the next generation of cancer care professionals.
Discover more
- Stay up to date with the latest news from the Liverpool Oncology Society.
- The British Oncology Network for Undergraduate Societies (BONUS) offers resources and support for student-led initiatives—learn more about their work.
- Learn more about British Oncology Network For Undergraduate Societies
- Explore fundraising and volunteering opportunities with Maggie’s Centres.