St. Gallen Oncology Conferences (SONK)
SONK is the organizing institution behind SGBCC. Our mission is to disseminate knowledge in oncology and make it accessible to a wide range of individuals. This noble mission traces its roots back to the early 1980s when Prof. Dr. med. Hans-Joerg Senn envisioned advancing oncological science and sharing it with the broader public. As the former head of the Department of Oncology and Hematology at the Cantonal Hospital St.Gallen, Switzerland, he keenly recognized the pivotal role of excellent seminars and conferences in disseminating knowledge and research findings in oncology.
With unwavering dedication, he founded St.Gallen Oncology Conferences (SONK), aiming to democratize the latest developments and insights in oncology for a global audience. Prof. Dr. med. Hans-Joerg Senn firmly believed that through the exchange of knowledge and ideas, we can elevate cancer treatment to new heights and achieve groundbreaking advancements.
In line with this vision, the SONK foundation provided a vibrant platform for international experts to convene, share their expertise, and forge consensus on current recommendations for cancer diagnosis and treatment. A significant milestone in this journey was the establishment of the «St.Gallen International Breast Cancer Consensus Guidelines,» a pioneering framework that continues to guide the treatment of individuals diagnosed with breast cancer.
As the years passed, SONK flourished into a distinguished institution, not only hosting the renowned St.Gallen International Breast Cancer Conference but also playing host to other groundbreaking events such as the International Symposium «Supportive Care in Cancer» and conferences on «Clinical- and Chemoprevention.» Progress in the field of oncology was consistently propelled forward by the regular conferences and seminars orchestrated by SONK.
Additionally, SONK proactively focused on nurturing the German-speaking European School of Oncology (deso), providing essential support to nurses and physicians in the German-speaking region and imparting them with evidence-based practices in clinical oncology.
Prof. Dr. med. Hans-Joerg Senn’s commitment to disseminate knowledge in oncology served as an indomitable force for the establishment and resounding success of the SONK foundation. His unwavering dedication will forever be a wellspring of inspiration as we tenaciously strive to uphold and perpetuate his vision, making a transformative impact on the oncology community. We are deeply grateful for his invaluable contributions, which guided us through his illustrious journey, until his indelible legacy on January 13th, 2023.
As Prof. Senn played a pivotal role in the establishment of the renowned biennial St.Gallen International Breast Cancer Conference in Switzerland in 1978, the Hansjoerg Senn Memorial Lecture was established in 2025, to honor his significant contributions to the treatment and care of individuals with cancer, particularly those with breast cancer.
The memorial Lecture offers a platform to acknowledge and celebrate individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement in breast cancer research, treatment and patient care. The honoree is invited to give the Hansjoerg Senn Memorial Lecture during the opening ceremony of the St.Gallen International Breast Cancer Conference and will receive the St.Gallen Breast Cancer Award, presented since 2003.
Contact
Foundation St.Gallen Oncology Conferences (SONK) | Stiftung für onkologische Fortbildung und Kongresse
Silberturm
Rorschacherstrasse 150
9006 St.Gallen
Switzerland
+41 71 243 09 90
sgbcc@sonk.ch
