The SDIR‑HDIR‑MOKAD First Regional Congress took place in Belgrade from October 8 to 11, 2025. Over three days, the event brought together clinicians, laboratory researchers, data scientists, and patient advocates for a focused scientific program aimed at accelerating translational cancer research.

The program included plenary lectures, invited talks, selected short orals from abstracts, industry-sponsored symposia, four poster viewing sessions, an interactive "Meet the Experts" panel, and a Projects Hub to promote collaboration. A highlight of the congress was the EACR plenary session on liquid biopsies. Scientific discussions included combination therapies, signaling pathways, tumor microenvironments, immuno-oncology, multidrug resistance, cancer stem cells, epidemiology, molecular diagnostics, biomarkers, bioinformatics, genomics, novel therapies, drug development, environmental carcinogens, tumor metabolism, and innovative translational models.

IBISS actively participated throughout the congress. Dr. Milica Pešić, Chair of the Scientific Committee, welcomed the participants and moderated a session focused on promoting regional cooperation. The TargetedResponse project was showcased at the Projects Hub and was also featured in an invited lecture by Dr. Miodrag Dragoj. Dr. Dijana Bovan presented a talk on the dual targeting concept using hybrid molecules of cisplatin and anti-inflammatory drugs. Dr. Danijela Maksimović-Ivanić chaired a session on novel tumor models, while Dr. Melita Vidaković delivered a lecture on targeted epigenetic rewriting in breast cancer. PhD students Vuk Gordić and Ema Lupšić provided short oral presentations on novel therapies and drug development, with Vuk Gordić earning second place in the EACR best poster competition.

The congress fostered open, cross-disciplinary exchange, strengthened regional networks, and showcased IBISS’s commitment.