I am a translational cancer biologist with a long-standing interest in how interferon signaling and the innate immune system influence tumor behavior. My work focuses on the molecular mechanisms that allow cancer cells to evade immune surveillance, with the goal of identifying new therapeutic strategies. Over the years, my research has expanded from cell cycle and kinase signaling into the interferon field, where I now study Schlafen proteins and their role in tumor immunity and therapy resistance. Our projects are highly translational and often involve close interactions with clinicians, which keeps our work grounded in real patient needs. When not in the lab, I love traveling and trying new culinary experiences with friends, being on of my favorite ways to unwind. I’m a big fan of science fiction, and one show I really enjoyed is Stranger Things.
Please tell us your name, degree, where you currently work, and position.
My name is Frank Eckerdt and I am a Research Associate Professor at Northwestern University in Chicago, USA. I currently work at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University in Chicago, where I am part of a collaborative, clinically oriented research environment.
Where did you do your training?
I studied biology at the University of Frankfurt in Germany, where I also completed my PhD. As an undergraduate, I spent a formative year studying natural sciences at the Université de Provence in Marseille, France, which was my first real exposure to international science.
For my postdoctoral training, I moved to the United States to the University of Colorado as a Howard Hughes Medical Institute research associate. That period shaped much of my scientific thinking and introduced me to the highly collaborative and fast-paced US research environment.
Briefly, what is your research about?
My current research focuses on how cancer cells manipulate interferon signaling and innate immune pathways to survive and evade immune responses. In particular, I study Schlafen proteins, which act as intracellular immune regulators. We are trying to understand how these proteins shape the tumor microenvironment and whether they can be targeted therapeutically. The long-term goal is to translate these mechanistic insights into new treatment strategies for aggressive cancers such as glioblastoma and pancreatic cancer.
Tell us your thoughts about the Cytokines Society: how has being involved in the Cytokine Society helped your career?
What attracted me to ICIS in the first place is its reputation for being a very interactive and collegial community. Coming from a background that was initially more focused on cell cycle and kinase signaling, I was drawn to the broader and more integrated view of immune biology that the cytokine field offers.
Are there any particular friendships or collaborations that came specifically out of Cytokines meetings?
Since I haven’t attended a meeting yet, I can’t claim any poster session friendships; at least not yet. But I’m hoping Glasgow will change that. From everything I’ve heard, ICIS meetings are exactly the kind of environment where those connections naturally happen.
What Cytokines meeting(s) have been your favorites? Tell us about any special memories or anecdotes.
So far, my experience with the Cytokine Society has mostly been from the sidelines; I’ve been a member, but I haven’t yet had the chance to attend a meeting. That will change this year, though, as I’m planning to attend the ICIS Annual Meeting in Glasgow in October 2026, which I’m very much looking forward to.
What do you like to do when not in the lab?
As a European, I’ve already traveled quite a bit across different parts of Europe, so these days I really enjoy exploring the incredible variety of places in the United States – from the Rocky Mountains to the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. I also love discovering new destinations in Central America whenever I get the chance. And, of course, I enjoy Chicago’s amazing food scene. It’s a fantastic city for restaurants and culinary experiences, and trying new places with friends is one of my favorite ways to unwind.
What is the best life/career advice you’ve ever received?
Science comes with a lot of frustration and failure. Most experiments don’t work the first time, grants get rejected, papers come back with tough reviews; it’s all part of the job. What really helps you get through those phases is genuine passion for what you do. If you’re truly curious and excited about your research, it becomes much easier to stay motivated when things don’t go as planned. Over the years, I’ve adopted a simple motto: work hard and play hard. Put in the effort when it matters but also make sure to enjoy life outside the lab. That balance keeps you sane, and, in the long run, probably makes you a better scientist too.
What book or TV show are you reading/watching right now that you recommend?
I’m a big fan of science fiction, and one show I really enjoyed is Stranger Things. It has great characters, a strong story, and just the right amount of nostalgia. At the same time, I spend a lot of time following the news, both on TV and through online outlets like The New York Times. I think it’s extremely important to stay informed about politics and what’s happening around us, especially in these intense and rapidly changing times.
What is your favorite cytokine?
It’s hard to beat type I interferons. They sit at the center of innate immunity and have this fascinating double life in cancer, sometimes suppressing tumors, sometimes being hijacked by them. That complexity is exactly what makes the interferon field so interesting.