Valeria Cancila is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Pathology at University of Palermo. Since 2019 Dr. Cancila has been the Laboratory Supervisor of Tumor Immunology Unit of the University of Palermo, coordinated by Prof Claudio Tripodo. After achieving of master' s degree, Dr Cancila has the opportunity to pursuing her interests in a stimulating environment with a consolidated expertise in the field of cancer immunology with particular regard to the tumor-stroma interactions joining the group of Prof. Tripodo. This Lab experience allowed her to expand and refine skills in microsampling/dissection of FFPE samples, histochemical stainings, multiplexed immunolocalization, in situ DNA, mRNA and miRNA fluorescence and chromogenic hybridization analyses on human and mouse tissue samples. She acquired experience in microscopy analysis and bright-field/fluorescence imaging and in targeted third-generation sequencing. The PhD represented a total immersion in the world of research: she was given the opportunity to explore the complex interplay among neoplastic cells and surrounding stromal and immunological microenvironment in prostate and breast adenocarcinomas. In a highly stimulating research context, she acquired problem solving skills, independently and as a member of a team, and how prioritise my activities. The fil rouge of the research activity has been centered on tumor microenvironment, recognizing it as a key factor in multiple stages of disease progression and a pathological active niche that shapes tumor evolution. Moreover, she investigated the reciprocal influence of immune cells and stromal elements of the tumour microenvironment on the development and progression of solid and haematological cancers, attributing to the stromal constituents the anticancer activities by regulating immunosuppression and restraining carcinogenesis and highlighting its potential in order to identify new tools for recognition of early stage of disease and new biological targets. In recent years, Dr Valeria Cancila has carried independent research documented by numerous scientific collaborations with Italian and foreign institutions and by a high-quality publications record. As coordinator of the project, Dr. Cancila is making her experience available in the field of experimental and translational pathology and is taking care of the training and professional growth of the PhD students and researchers involved in the project.