In July 2024, over 100 delegates met in Cambridge to discuss the biggest questions in tissue development and regeneration, share their latest discoveries and identify future scientific directions for innovation and collaboration. The ‘Building and Rebuilding Complex Tissues’ meeting brought together scientists from across all career stages and interdisciplinary research interests.
The meeting was organised by Cambridge Group Leaders Sumru Bayin (Gurdon Institute and Physiology, Development and Neuroscience), Ben Steventon (Genetics) and Mekayla Storer (Cambridge Stem Cell Institute and Physiology Development and Neuroscience) in a partnership between the School of Biological Sciences, the British Society for Developmental Biology and the International Society for Regenerative Biology.
The day featured presentations from world-leading experts working in developmental and regenerative biology from the UK, Europe and America. Topics covered included, embryonic self-organization, tissue mechanics, mathematical modelling, spinal cord, limb, liver and heart regeneration, with researchers showcasing a wide range of model systems, from axolotls and Acomys (spiny mice), to flatworms and cnidarians (marine animals).
The lunch time poster session provided a great the opportunity to hear from the 30 poster presenters in attendance, discuss ideas and methodologies, and foster new connections. With support from QKine we were delighted to award 3 early career poster prizes to: Giada Vanacore (University of Cambridge), Mario Mendieta-Serrano (University of Warwick) and Dillan Saunders (University of Cambridge).
Representatives from event sponsors MedChemExpress, QKine, StemBond Technologies, Zeiss and Evident also participated throughout the day, showcasing their products and scientific solutions to the audience.
Keynote speaker Professor Ashley Seifert from the University of Kentucky presented the last talk of the day with an overview of his work studying the conditions and molecular mechanisms that regulate a regenerative microenvironment in response to injury.
The meeting in Cambridge successfully brought together a range of scientists with complementary expertise in the tissue development and regeneration fields, fostering vibrant discussions and networking. These interactions were a highlight of the conference, serving as a springboard for further collaborations that will drive research in complex tissue development and regeneration.
Alba Rodrigo Albors, invited speaker from the University of Edinburgh said,
“The meeting was a great success, connecting researchers tackling similar questions from different angles and seeding ideas for collaborations. To keep the momentum going, we plan to bring the Building and Rebuilding Complex Tissues meeting to Edinburgh in 2025!”
Read more about Complex Tissues Regeneration research in the School.