The Happy Lungs Project is collaborating with leading cancer research institutions through the RET Research Network to connect research teams, build shared resources, and accelerate discoveries for RET-positive cancers.
What is the RET Research Network? Overview video presented by Dr. John Heymach, MD Anderson Cancer Center and member of The Happy Lungs Project Scientific Advisory Board
Connecting researchers. Building shared resources. Accelerating discoveries and investment in RET-positive cancers.
For patients living with RET-positive cancer, scientific progress can’t come fast enough. Yet promising research often happens across separate institutions, with valuable data, resources, and discoveries not always reaching the researchers who could build upon them.
The RET Research Network is a collaborative research initiative that brings together leading cancer research institutions to tackle shared scientific challenges, develop valuable research resources, and accelerate progress toward better treatments for RET-positive cancers.
A Collaborative Approach to Advancing Research
Individual research grants play a vital role in advancing scientific discovery, supporting investigators as they pursue important questions and develop new approaches to treatment. The RET Research Network builds on the value of these investments by introducing a different approach: funding collaboration itself, alongside the research.
Rather than supporting individual projects alone, The Happy Lungs Project is intentionally connecting research teams across institutions to pursue shared objectives, coordinate their efforts, and develop resources that can benefit participating investigators and the broader scientific community.
Participating teams will contribute their expertise and research findings to a growing foundation of shared scientific knowledge, including data, tissue samples, and laboratory models.
The goal is to ensure that the work of one research team can strengthen the work of others — and that today’s investments continue creating opportunities for tomorrow’s discoveries.
How The RET Research Network Will Accelerate Progress
The RET Research Network is built around three interconnected priorities:
Meet the Founding Institutions
The RET Research Network launches with research teams from three leading cancer institutions, each bringing distinct expertise, perspectives, and scientific resources to the collaborative initiative.
Luc Friboulet, PhD
Ludovic Bigot, MSc
Daniela Miliziano, MD
Noemie Simon-Tillaux
Vincent Boursier
Annarita Avanzo, MD
Maria-Rosa Ghigna, MD
Jia Wu, PhD
Ju Hwan Cho, PhD
These three founding institutions establish the foundation for the RET Research Network’s first phase, with plans to expand the network through future phases of research investment.
From the outset, the RET Research Network will also bring together a broader community of researchers and clinicians dedicated to advancing RET-positive cancer research. Through regular scientific discussions, investigators from participating institutions and beyond will have opportunities to share emerging findings, exchange expertise, and identify new opportunities for collaboration. This inclusive approach is designed to accelerate scientific progress, strengthen connections across institutions, and create opportunities for promising ideas to inform future research priorities and investments.
Make a donation to support The Happy Lungs Project as we accelerate research, close critical gaps in care, and bring together the people and resources needed to improve and save the lives of those living with RET-positive cancers.
Donate TodayQuestions or need more information? Contact us at info@happylungsproject.org
