"The BASTION project is envisioned to allow Medical University of Warsaw (MUW) to become a leading research and clinical oncology centre in Central Europe. Based on core ensemble of internationally recognized research groups and lead scientists BASTION aims to strengthen MUW’s research potential in basic and translational oncology via five operating objectives: (1) initiating and consolidating cooperation between 9 MUW research teams and 11 partnering organisations from leading European research labs and 2 innovation driven SMEs via secondments; (2) fostering exchange of scientific ideas and know-how by organising 6 workshops focused on molecular oncology and one international conference; (3) establishing a bioinformatics group focused on personalised medicine and recruiting 12 experienced researchers, 2 IT specialists and 2 professional managers; (4) building research capacity by acquiring 7 modern research equipment items; (5) creating a pro-innovative environment supporting exploitation and dissemination of BASTION research to raise awareness of basic and translational oncology, generate economic impact and improve the quality of life. BASTION is also envisioned to become a top quality experimental oncology platform supporting MUW’s clinical hospitals, incorporating novel research techniques to improve the understanding of carcinogenesis and tumour progression leading to development of new therapeutic and diagnostic tools. This can only be achieved through broad and active networking with top research centres in Europe."