From July 13th to July 18th I had the privilege to attend the ISSCR (International Society of Stem Cell Research) annual conference in Boston, USA. Over 4,500 stem cell researchers and law experts gathered to present and discuss red hot topics in the stem cell field, like drug discovery models, regeneration, micro-environment, vascularization of organoids, gender & personalized medicine, next generation in-vitro models & ethical topics, just to name a few. More than 1,000 Posters were presented from experts around the globe, fostering dialogue and networking.
One of the highlights for me was the presentation by Dr. Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz from the California Institute of Technology (USA) about "embryos-in-a-dish". The group generated post-implantation embryo models to study and understand the self-organization leading to and during gastrulation. Another, really inspiring talk was held by Dr. Robert Langer from the Massachussetts Institute of Technology (USA). He took us on a journey of his own career aiming to develop methods to deliver drugs in patients, telling that he "found 200 ways to get Drug Discovery to tissues NOT to work" during his time as PhD candidate and young PostDoc. Happily, he was able to laugh about this rough time, and in the end, he did find a way.
On the last day, a session about gene editing in the clinical setting was held, which was really exciting. I, personally, was surprised how many gene editing approaches are out there beeing studied or have reached clinical trial already. A very promising, new way to takle treating of genetic diseases.
I really enjoyed the conference and can only recommend attending it, especially as it is hosted in Hamburg next year.
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