Welcome to the first Ludwig Link of 2026.
Veteran readers have probably noticed that the magazine is not only bulkier than it used to be a few years ago, but far prettier too. For the latter, we thank our researchers, many of whom shared with us images of arresting beauty. The bulk, similarly, comes from their labors, whose products are exceptional.
Take a gander through the Research news section and you’ll agree. There’s a brief in there, for example, about how cramped quarters make melanoma cells so claustrophobic they literally invade their neighbors. In another pair we describe the findings of two independent studies reporting unique mechanisms by which metastasizing cancer cells guard against death by ferroptosis, each revealing a vulnerability to exploit for cancer therapy. And that’s just a bit of the great science in store for you in these pages.
We also, sadly, share news of the death of Richard Hynes, Daniel K. Ludwig Professor for Cancer Research, Emeritus, at Ludwig MIT. We recall with great pride and no less respect his important contributions to cancer research and extend our condolences to his friends and family.
Along with the usual news of awards won by Ludwig-affiliated researchers and snapshots from the Ludwig Harvard retreat last November, we introduce you to Manav Pathania, an accomplished investigator of pediatric brain tumors who joined Ludwig Oxford in February. And, finally, we report the launch of the Ludwig Laboratory for Cell Therapy at Weill Cornell Medicine, which is to be Directed by George Coukos. We take this opportunity to take a quick look back over George’s extraordinary tenure as the founding director of the current Lausanne Branch. You will be impressed.
We hope you enjoy this issue of the Ludwig Link.
With warm regards,
Unmesh Kher
Editorial Director