Submitted by Laura Puhl on Fri, 04/04/2025 - 13:09
Last week (28 March), the Zilbauer Group and the Cambridge Stem Cell Institute Technology and Innovation Forum (SCI-TIF) hosted the 1st Cambridge Human Organoid Symposium at Jesus College, Cambridge. The event brought together a diverse group of scientists, clinicians, and industry leaders to delve into the latest advancements in organoid technology.
The symposium featured a series of dynamic talks and panel discussions, highlighting the transformative potential of organoids in biomedical research, disease modelling, and regenerative medicine. Attendees had the opportunity to hear from leading experts, including Professor Matthias Zilbauer, Professor Roisin Owens, Dr Emma Rawlins, Professor Sanjay Sinha, Dr Namshik Han, and Dr Fotios Sampaziotis who shared their insights and ground-breaking research.
Key topics of discussion included the standardisation of organoid research, ethical considerations, and innovative approaches to harnessing this technology for medical advancements. The event also provided networking opportunities, allowing participants to connect with peers, share ideas, and foster collaborations.
Highlights of the symposium included:
- Cutting-Edge Talks: Focused on the latest breakthroughs in human organoid research, including organ-specific studies of the gut, lungs, and heart.
- Engaging Panel Discussions: Covered topics such as the standardisation and scalability of organoid technologies, ethics and policy, and collaboration between academia and industry.
- Networking Opportunities: Provided during coffee breaks and lunch, allowing attendees to connect with fellow researchers, policy and industry experts, and clinicians.
The day was joined by industry sponsors and SCI-TIF members: AstraZeneca, Bio-Techne, Cytiva, Grant Instruments, MCE MedChem Express, PentaHibe, Promega, Satorius, Singleron, Thermo Scientific and Qkine.
Professor Matthias Zilbauer, Group Leader at CSCI and interim head of Department of Paediatrics, said “The Cambridge Human Organoid Symposium was truly inspiring—excellent attendance, vibrant discussion, and a real sense of momentum. Particularly exciting were the constructive exchanges between academic researchers and industry partners, which signal a bright future for human organoid science and its translational potential. A huge thank you to Ellie, Federica, Claire, Komal, and Jaesub for organising such an outstanding event—and a special thanks to Alice and the TIF team for so effectively connecting our work with the wider industry landscape.”