The Children's Tumor Foundation
01/13/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/13/2026 13:59
Young Investigator: Q&A with Jonas Van Lent about NF1 and Tumor MicroenvironmentsEmpty heading
The Young Investigator Award (YIA) provides two-year salary support to early-career NF researchers to help them get established as independent NF investigators and pursue bold, innovative projects designed to improve care and uncover new treatments for people living with NF. Since its inception, several YIAs have made groundbreaking research findings and notable publications through this program, and many have advanced to become leaders in the NF research and clinical communities.
We're pleased to introduce some of these researchers from the latest class of awardees: Jonas Van Lent, PhD (Institute of Oncology Research, Switzerland), whose YIA-funded study uses human stem cell-based 3D models of the peripheral nervous system to examine how nerve cells and their surrounding environment contribute to NF-related tumor growth, with the goal of identifying new therapeutic strategies.
A person wearing a white lab coat stands with arms crossed in front of large windows with yellow blinds, with sunlight streaming in.Jonas Van Lent, PhD
What are you hoping to discover through this project?
Through this project, I aim to gain novel insights into the underlying mechanisms that drive neurofibromatosis (NF), with a particular focus on the role of the tumor microenvironment. By exploring how surrounding cells and signals influence disease progression, I hope this work will help identify new therapeutic opportunities.
What first drew you to study NF and/or what continues to inspire your work?
What first drew me to NF research was its intriguing complexity. The field still has many open questions, and I felt that by combining my expertise in human pluripotent stem cells with these gaps in knowledge, I could make a meaningful contribution. I was motivated by the challenge, but also by the opportunity to work at the intersection of fundamental biology and clinical relevance. In addition, I immediately felt how warm, open, and collaborative the NF research community is. Being part of such a supportive environment is incredibly motivating and continues to inspire my work.
What does a typical day in the lab look like for you?
Because my project is based on human pluripotent stem cells, a typical day involves spending a significant amount of time in the cell culture part of the lab. This is often combined with downstream work such as microscopy and other analyses derived from cell-based experiments. The rest of the day is usually a mix of designing new experiments, analyzing data, discussing results, troubleshooting, and mentoring trainees.
What does it mean to you to receive this support from the Children's Tumor Foundation?
Receiving support from the Children's Tumor Foundation is incredibly meaningful to me. It not only allows me to pursue this research, but also represents important personal recognition at an early stage of my career. This encouragement has strongly motivated me to continue building my research program in the NF-field, and knowing that this work is valued by CTF is both reassuring and inspiring.
At the same time, this support is a reminder that the research is not happening in isolation. It connects the work I do in the lab to the broader NF community. I am very grateful for the trust CTF places in young investigators - not only in me, but in investing in the next generation of highly motivated NF researchers. I truly appreciate the opportunity to contribute to this collective effort, united by the shared goal of improving outcomes for individuals living with NF.
How do you like to spend your time outside the lab?
Outside the lab, I enjoy spending time in nature, particularly in the mountains, and doing outdoor activities such as skiing. Being based in Bellinzona, with the Swiss Alps nearby, makes it an ideal environment to recharge and return to the lab with renewed energy and perspective. Interestingly, these moments in the mountains also often help to think about new ideas for experiments.
Is there anything else you'd like to share with the NF community?
I am deeply grateful to the NF community for its support, engagement, and advocacy. It is an honor to contribute to CTF's efforts to improve understanding and care for NF. I look forward to sharing progress as the research moves forward and to becoming part of the broader NF family.
Click here to learn more about funding opportunities, including the Young Investigator Awards, from the Children's Tumor Foundation.
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The Children's Tumor Foundation published this content on January 13, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on January 13, 2026 at 19:59 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]