ICRN Membership Update 

The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation (CCF) is committed to fostering global collaboration to accelerate progress in cholangiocarcinoma research. Through its International Cholangiocarcinoma Research Network (ICRN), CCF brings together a multidisciplinary community of experts worldwide to share knowledge, resources, and innovative ideas. This united effort is essential to advancing research, improving patient care, and finding a cure for this rare and challenging disease. Below is an update on ICRN membership and the opportunities to participate in work being done across its committees.

Key Features of the ICRN:

• Membership: Comprises experts from multiple disciplines, representing institutions worldwide. As of December 2024, it includes 372 members from 166 institutions across 31 countries.

• Structure: Divided into four committees—Data, Program Organizing, Research, and Next-Gen—that meet quarterly to align on specific goals and projects.

• Focus: Aims to drive high-impact, collaborative research that accelerates discoveries, improves diagnostics, and enhances treatments for cholangiocarcinoma.

• Benefits: Offers members access to shared resources, networking opportunities, and participation in influential initiatives led by the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation (CCF). Membership is free.

ICRN Committee Updates:

• Data Committee: This group oversees the use of key datasets, including the International Cholangiocarcinoma Patient Registry (ICPR—powered by Citizen Health), Komodo Health analytics, the Genome-Wide Association Study, and cBioPortal. Their work focuses on harmonizing the ICPR with national and international datasets to amplify research impact through larger, unified datasets.

• Research Committee: Tasked with advancing CCF’s grant-awarding programs, this committee oversees initiatives such as Fellowship Grants, Innovation Grants, and Career Development Awards. Members may also participate in grant review panels and monitor past awardees’ progress, including programs like C2T2 and collaborations with industry. Additionally, a subgroup is dedicated to developing the Master Protocol for BTC research.

• Next-Generation Committee: Committed to nurturing the future of cholangiocarcinoma research, this committee provides mentorship to early-career professionals through webinars, young investigator meetings, and global initiatives. Their goal is to ensure the next generation of leaders is equipped to advance the field.

• Program Organizing Committee: This group guides the Foundation’s Annual Conference, contributing to theme-setting, abstract and poster reviews, CME accreditation, and publishing meeting proceedings. It also supports international events like the Asia-Pacific Cholangiocarcinoma Conference and helps establish new conferences globally, such as in Africa.