Skin has long been the benchmark of mammalian genetics as well as carcinogenesis. Mouse coat color mutation studies have led the way to the discovery of intricate signaling mechanisms involved in cell-cell communication and cell fate determination. The very notion of multistep carcinogenesis originated from the experimental mouse skin model, and skin is a leading platform for basic genetic research on early steps of tumor development as well as imaging efforts for detection and treatment. The three main types of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma, are also of major significance for human health worldwide.

The main goal of this EMBO Workshop is to establish a multi-disciplinary forum for the exchange of recent advances in skin cancer prevention and the generation of novel ideas and approaches, with skin as a focus and a paradigm. Experts in basic cancer cell biology, genetics, epidemiology and physical/clinical sciences will be brought together to address the following themes:

1. Genetic and epigenetic predisposition to cancer

2. Environmental carcinogens and carcinogenic infections

3. Chronic inflammation and wound healing

4. Immune system and microbiome

5. Innovations in imaging and diagnostics

6. Novel pharmacological and light-based preventive approaches

7. Societal challenges and their impact