Charlise Basson and Sandra Tatchum from the Department of Physiology, supervised by Dr.Yvette Hlophe with co-supervisors Prof. June Serem, Dr. Priyesh Bipath, and Prof. Annie Joubert, recently attended and presented their PhD research at the International Society for Tryptophan Research (ISTRY) conference in Jena, Germany, from April 24-26. Their research on kynurenine metabolites in melanoma contributed valuable insights to the global scientific community.

Charlise Basson presented her research at the ISTRY conference in Germany

Both students were honoured with travel grants from the ISTRY committee, recognising the significance of their contributions and supporting their journey to this prestigious event. The conference provided a transformative experience, allowing them to engage with leading experts in their field and gain exposure to cutting-edge research worldwide.

Presenting their findings and discussing their work with peers and mentors not only enhanced their knowledge but also inspired them with new perspectives. The conference underscored the global importance of their research and motivated them to continue advancing the understanding of kynurenine metabolites and their role in melanoma.

 Sandra Tatchum presented her research at the ISTRY conference in Germany

One of the most remarkable aspects of this conference was the extensive range of topics that converged on the kynurenine pathway in various studies, scenarios, and diseases, ranging from chronic pain to depression. This highlighted the profound significance of their research, demonstrating its crucial role not only in different facets of cancer but also in its relevance to other diseases. The conference underscored the pathway's broad applicability and potential for management across multiple health conditions, reaffirming the importance and impact of their work in the scientific community.