An international route through research

As a Marie Curie postdoctoral researcher, I have embarked on an incredible journey that blends cutting-edge science, international collaboration, and personal growth. My research focuses on the epidemiology of physical activity, physical fitness, and cancer, and I am currently based at the Department of Physical Education and Sports at the University of Granada, collaborating with world-renowned institutions like Stanford University, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, and Imperial College London.
This journey is part of the PRECAFIT project, a Marie Curie Global Fellowship designed to explore the role of physical activity and fitness in cancer prevention. Just like a traveler navigating through diverse landscapes, PRECAFIT has taken me across continents, introducing me to unique scientific approaches, cultures, and challenges.
Here’s a glimpse into the international route through research, with each stop representing a crucial chapter in this exciting journey.
The passenger: Cristina Cadenas-Sanchez
Every journey has a traveler, and in this case, I am the lucky passenger. I bring with me a passion for understanding the connections between lifestyle, fitness, and health, with a particular focus on their implications for cancer prevention. My academic background and previous experiences have prepared me to embrace the challenges of this global fellowship and learn from the incredible mentors and teams I have met along the way.
The Journey: Stops on the PRECAFIT route
First stop: Oslo, Norway – Foundations in epidemiology
A land of cold weather, endless forests, and the magical aurora borealis.
From the moment you arrive, Norway enchants you with its serene landscapes and high quality of life. If you love nature, it’s a paradise—think snowy peaks, calm lakes, and deep green forests. The Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, located in a peaceful setting surrounded by a forest and lake, reflects the nation’s ethos of balance and well-being. The facilities were exceptional, and the sense of community made it stand out. Weekly Friday lunch meetings and monthly department gatherings fostered a familial atmosphere where collaboration and kindness thrived over competition. The researchers, whether working directly with my team or not, were always approachable and supportive.
At Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, I worked closely with Professor Ulf Ekelund, one of the most renowned epidemiologists in the field of physical activity. This stage was crucial for developing my understanding of epidemiology and advanced methodologies, working with a vast dataset of over 400,000 Norwegians. My research focused on the relationship between occupational physical activity and the risk of developing 14 major cancers. This experience taught me the importance of precision in data analysis and the value of working with large-scale epidemiological studies.
Second stop: Stanford University, California, United States – Mastering fitness epidemiology
From Norwegian snowy winters to sunny California—my longest stop on this journey.
Moving from Europe to the USA was a cultural shift that came with its own challenges—adapting to new customs, navigating a different academic system, and being 20 hours away (by plane) from home. But these challenges were far outweighed by the opportunities that came with being part of Stanford University, one of the top institutions in the world. The Stanford campus is like stepping into another world—unreal yet inspiring. Excellence permeates everything, from groundbreaking research to the vibrant sports culture that fills weekends with energy and pride. What struck me most was the strong sense of belonging shared by everyone at Stanford. It wasn’t just a place to work or study; it was a space for personal and professional growth.
Here, I had the privilege of working with Professor Jonathan Myers, a leading figure in fitness epidemiology, and collaborating with Professor Peter Kokkinos. My research at Stanford focused on exploring the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and its impact on cancer, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory diseases (including COVID-19). Using databases from over 700,000 veterans, I learned how to connect fitness-related variables with health outcomes on an impressive scale. This period reinforced the value of interdisciplinary collaboration and the potential of fitness as a marker for public health interventions.
Final stop: London, UK – Delving deeper into cancer epidemiology
From California sunshine to the ever-changing skies of London.
The last chapter of my journey took me to Imperial College London, where I joined the team led by Professor Marc Gunter, leader in cancer epidemiology. Thanks to my earlier experiences, adapting to this bustling and diverse city was seamless, and it quickly became a place I cherished. At Imperial, I found yet another facet of academic excellence, marked by collaboration across disciplines and a focus on societal impact. London itself added vibrancy to this experience, offering the perfect blend of history, culture, and innovation.
Here, I worked with a unique dataset of over 100,000 women from the UK, investigating the association between physical activity and the incidence of colon cancer. This experience was a masterclass in diving deep into specific health outcomes, applying rigorous statistical techniques, and exploring how lifestyle factors can influence long-term health risks.
Reflections: The PRECAFIT journey, a journey worth taking
Each stop on the PRECAFIT route has shaped me, not just as a researcher but as a person. From Norway’s calm and supportive environment to Stanford’s awe-inspiring innovation and London’s dynamic energy, this international journey has taught me that growth often comes from stepping outside your comfort zone.
If you ever have the opportunity to embark on a similar journey, take it. The challenges are real, but so are the rewards. As the passenger on this incredible journey, I look forward to the roads yet to be traveled and the discoveries yet to be made.

Top image is a composite of photos by Agata Ciosek on Unsplash, Toshiharu Watanabe on Pixabay, and Jose Llamas on Unsplash.
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