Advancing Pediatric Cancer Research: The 2nd FERO–Aladina Fellowship

At the 2026 FERO Gala, the FERO Cancer Foundation recognized seven outstanding oncology research projects with nearly €1 million in total funding. For us, the evening meant something more: the 2nd FERO–Aladina Pediatric Cancer Fellowship was awarded.

The 2nd FERO–Aladina Fellowship: Tackling One of the Most Aggressive Pediatric Brain Tumors

The recipient was researcher Luciano Di Croce, for his project “Targeting Epigenetic Vulnerabilities to Stop Diffuse Midline Glioma.” His research focuses on diffuse midline glioma (DMG), one of the most aggressive pediatric brain tumors, with an especially poor prognosis. By studying the tumor’s epigenetic vulnerabilities, the project aims to open new therapeutic paths for children who today have very few treatment options. Valued at €80,000 and fully funded by Fundación Aladina, the fellowship will drive this promising line of research forward.

This second fellowship builds on our ongoing commitment to pediatric cancer research. It follows the first FERO–Aladina Fellowship, awarded the previous year to Dr. Menéndez’s project on an advanced CAR-T cell therapy for resistant and metastatic pediatric sarcomas.

Research That Changes Lives

At Aladina, we’ve spent more than 20 years supporting children with cancer and their families. We know what it means to receive a diagnosis with so few answers. That’s why this fellowship is much more than financial support — it’s our way of saying that research is hope, and that we’ll keep investing in it.

We’d like to thank the FERO Foundation for making this evening possible, and for sharing our belief that pediatric cancer research deserves the highest priority.