We would like to congratulate Dr. Akhil Shukla on winning the Current Oncology Travel Award. We had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Shukla in an interview.

Dr. Akhil Shukla is a postdoctoral researcher at the CHU de Québec–Université Laval (CHUQ-UL), specializing in prostate cancer and cancer immunology. He earned his PhD in cell biology from Université de Sherbrooke, Canada. His dissertation focused on the NLRC5-dependent anti-tumor immune response. Prior to this, Dr. Shukla completed a Master’s degree in biotechnology at Panjab University, studying antioxidant enzymes, which laid the foundation for his research. Throughout his academic journey, he has contributed significantly to the understanding of the roles of different targets in cancer immune surveillance and therapeutic strategies. Currently, Dr. Shukla is a molecular oncology researcher affiliated with the CHUQ-UL. His research focuses on the metabolic drivers of prostate cancer progression, and their role in remodeling metabolism in aggressive prostate cancer.

The following is an interview with Dr. Akhil Shukla:

1. Congratulations on winning the Current Oncology Travel Award. Could you briefly introduce yourself and your current research at the current institution of the winner?
   I am Akhil Shukla, a postdoctoral researcher at the CHUQ-UL in Québec City, Canada. My research focuses on understanding the metabolic adaptations that facilitate tumor progression. Specifically, my work aims to uncover the underlying metabolic mechanisms exploited by aggressive prostate cancer cells to sustain their growth and evade therapeutic interventions. By identifying key metabolic vulnerabilities in these cancer cells, I aim to contribute to the development of novel targeted treatment strategies. Ultimately, my goal is to translate these findings into practical clinical applications that improve patient outcomes in everyday oncology practice, bridging the gap between laboratory discoveries and real-world cancer care settings.
2. When and how did you become aware of the Current Oncology journal? Could you briefly introduce which conference or conferences you plan to attend with this award?
   I first learned about Current Oncology during my graduate studies, where I frequently encountered articles that adeptly connected molecular research with the practical management of cancer patients. This exposure underscored the journal's multidisciplinary approach and strong commitment to publishing research with direct clinical relevance, which deeply resonated with my focus on translational oncology.
   Receiving the Current Oncology Travel Award will allow me to attend the EACR 2026 Congress, a leading international forum that gathers experts in tumor biology, metabolism, and translational cancer research to present my research. At this congress, I will present our latest findings on metabolic remodeling in prostate cancer, a project that investigates how metabolic changes contribute to tumor aggressiveness and therapeutic resistance. This opportunity will not only enable me to share our work with leading researchers but also to engage in meaningful scientific exchanges, fostering collaborations that can accelerate the translation of metabolic insights into innovative clinical strategies. Ultimately, this experience will enhance my ability to bridge laboratory discoveries and real-world oncology practice, advancing the development of targeted interventions that improve patient care.
3. Attending international conferences is an essential part of scientific collaboration and growth. How do you plan to promote the Current Oncology journal at the conference? And what do you hope to contribute or gain from the discussion?
   At the conference, I plan to promote Current Oncology in several ways. In my poster, I will acknowledge the Travel Award and highlight the journal as a venue that actively supports clinically relevant translational cancer research. I also intend to mention the journal when discussing publication options with colleagues and collaborators, particularly early career researchers looking for a peer‑reviewed, oncology‑focused open‑access platform.
   Through scientific discussions, I hope to receive valuable feedback on our methods, identify potential collaborators for multicenter projects, and gain insights into how similar questions are addressed at other institutions and within various health systems. In return, I aspire to contribute by sharing our experiences, offering constructive feedback, and actively engaging in discussions to bridge the gap between research and routine cancer care.
4. As a scientific researcher, how do you balance life and research work?
   Balancing research with life outside the laboratory requires continuous attention and effort to establish a sustainable routine. I set aside time for focused work and keep evenings and weekends free from work to relax. This involves deliberately setting aside time for deep focus while ensuring that evenings and weekends are free from work-related commitments to promote mental rest. Living in Québec City, I enjoy outdoor activities and regular exercise, which help me stay strong and maintain a clear view when research gets tough. It is also important to have a supportive team where we can share problems, celebrate small wins, and respect each other's limits. This mix of personal discipline and teamwork keeps me productive and happy, making it easier to balance my work and personal life.
5. As the winner of this award, would you like to take a moment to share your thoughts with our readers or express gratitude towards those who have played a significant role in your research accomplishments?
   Winning the Current Oncology Travel Award is a significant step in my career. This award helps us share our findings on metabolic changes in prostate cancer with researchers at a global stage. It also provides opportunities to talk and work with top experts from different countries. I am very thankful for the support from the editors and the selection committee of Current Oncology and MDPI. Their support helps young researchers, such as myself, in cancer research. I am also grateful for the guidance of my supervisors, Dr. Étienne Audet-Walsh and Dr. Frédéric Pouliot, and the team from Québec, Canada, China and Brazil. Their help improved this project. Most importantly, this award honors the patients who participated in our studies. Their involvement was crucial to our research. The award inspires me to continue conducting research that connects laboratory discoveries with real patient care improvements. I also appreciate the personal support of my family and friends, which keeps me motivated in this challenging but rewarding field.
6. In your view, how can academic journals and publishers further support early career researchers and the broader academic community?
   Academic journals and publishers are crucial for nurturing a supportive and productive research culture, especially for early career researchers who often encounter unique challenges. In addition to offering financial support, such as travel awards and fee waivers, these entities can enhance the academic journey by promoting transparent, constructive, and timely peer review processes. These processes serve as gatekeeping mechanisms and educational opportunities. By incorporating mentorship-style reviews, editorial insights, and accessible training resources, including webinars on study design, statistics, and reporting standards, journals can transform publishing into a formative experience that builds researchers’ skills and confidence. Additionally, involving early career researchers in peer review and editorial activities fosters professional growth, demystifies the publication process, and enriches the diversity and quality of scholarly evaluation. Rigorous methodologies, open data practices, and interdisciplinary collaboration ensure that research outputs are reproducible, clinically relevant, and impactful, ultimately bridging the gap between molecular discoveries and patient-centered outcomes. This approach not only empowers emerging scientists but also strengthens the integrity and translational potential of broader scientific enterprises.