Diverse program of the 11th International Meeting brings together 250 stem cell researchers in Aachen, Germany

After a successful virtual conference in 2021, the 11th International Meeting of the Stem Cell Network North Rhine-Westphalia took once again place as a face-to-face event on May 16-17 2023 in Aachen.

What are the ethical challenges of using stem cell technology to treat patients? How to untangle the complexity of stem cells? How will stem cells contribute to patient treatment and what technical and medical challenges remain along the way? These and other questions were addressed in the 14 presentations by invited experts such as Olivier Pourquié (Harvard University), Christine L. Mummery (Leiden University), Jeantine Lunshof (Harvard Wyss Institute) or Graziella Pellegrini (UNIMORE Modena Reggio Emilia). Seven additional speakers were selected from more than 80 abstract submissions by a selection committee of stem cell scientists from North Rhine-Westphalia. The scientific program was accompanied by two poster sessions, in which selected scientists presented their research, and an evening networking event. Numerous companies presented themselves at the industry exhibition and gave participants the opportunity to learn about new techniques and equipment and to initiate collaborations. In eight presentations, industry players offered insights into the status quo of industrial activities in the stem cell field.

The diverse program and the many networking opportunities were very well received by the participants. "I really enjoyed taking part in this exciting conference. In addition to the varied presentations by speakers from many different disciplines and countries, I particularly liked that there was enough time for the poster sessions and industry exhibition as well as for networking," summarizes a participant from Belgium her impressions of the 11th International Meeting.

We are very pleased that the conference was so well received and would like to take this opportunity to thank all the supporters and contributors who made this event possible!