CRCL International Group – CIG

The Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL) hosts, on average, members from approximately 40 different nationalities worldwide.

The CRCL International Group (CIG) was established in September 2024 with the purpose of welcoming international colleagues and supporting them throughout their stay in France. Today CIG  include four core members, further strengthening its ability to assist and engage the international community.

These four dedicated CIG members are committed to ensuring that international colleagues feel welcomed and supported at CRCL. The group’s mission is to foster integration, promote cultural exchange, enhance visibility, and support the professional development of CRCL’s international community.

To advance these objectives, the CRCL International Group hosts a wide range of social and professional events, inviting all members to actively participate and connect with the community. All activities are conducted in English, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for everyone. Over the past year, the group’s initiatives have been highly successful and warmly received with positive exchanges, and appreciation from the overall CRCL.

Here is a look at some of the past and on-going CIG events :

International Potluck / Halloween Potluck

Each year, the CRCL International Group organizes an international potluck that brings together approximately 30 participants in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. This year’s event was held with an American Halloween theme, offering participants the opportunity to experience a different cultural tradition. Members from various teams came together, many in costume, to share a meal, connect with one another, and enjoy a festive cultural experience.

 

Newcomers’ International Welcome Breakfast

CIG organizes two international newcomers’ welcome breakfasts each year, one in the fall and one in the spring, for new international members of CRCL. These events provide an important opportunity for newcomers to meet one another and begin building connections, particularly for those who do not speak French and are far from home. During the breakfast, participants learn more about CIG and CRCL, while also having the opportunity to share their experiences, discuss their needs, and exchange with colleagues.

 

 

 

Christmas Party

Each year, CIG organizes a Christmas party open to all members. This event has consistently been a great success. In 2025, CIG collaborated with CLYRA and the Scientific Animation  Committee to host the celebration, which brought together approximately 50 participants. The event was warmly received and provided a valued opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the holiday season spirit.

International Picnic

Each year, CRCL organizes an International Picnic that brings together international members and other members of CRCL for a shared lunch. This event offers an informal and enjoyable opportunity for participants to meet, exchange, and build connections. It is consistently well received and highly appreciated by attendees.

 

 

 

Science and Career Path Session

CIG organizes small-group meetings with international speakers invited as part of the CRCL lecture series. These sessions provide students, postdoctoral fellows, and early-career researchers with the opportunity to meet the speakers in an informal setting and engage in discussions about scientific research and career development. Participants greatly value these exchanges, which allow them to learn from the speakers’ professional journeys and experiences.

 

 

 

The CRCL International Group will continue to add new events to its calendar. We look forward to share some together, reconnecting with those we already know and to warmly welcoming new members in the year ahead.