New & Noteworthy: Upcoming Conference Highlights

At Keystone Symposia, our goal is to illuminate not just cutting-edge scientific discoveries, but also entire emerging fields at the forefront of biomedical science and medicine, such as regenerative cell therapies, artificial intelligence (AI) in biomedical research, and many more. These fields have groundbreaking potential to transform our understanding of human biology and disease mechanisms, paving the way for innovation in diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of disease. Each year, we dedicate a select number of conferences to these transformative biomedical topics, convening world leaders to chart the path forward for these exciting new research frontiers.

This year we have a unique line-up of emerging topic conferences that spans basic science to clinical medicine, in fields ranging from developmental biology to drug discovery. Explore new paradigms and expand your horizons with the meetings below, also available via Livestream and/or On Demand!

This conference explores cutting-edge innovations in stem cell-based embryo models (SCBEMs) and their design to study embryogenesis, implantation, organogenesis, and other critical aspects of early human development. The program will integrate advances in bioengineering, synthetic biology, and cell-instructive biomaterials, which are enabling the precise engineering of SCBEMs for both basic research and translational applications. Speakers will showcase how these powerful tools are enhancing capabilities in disease modeling, high-throughput drug screening, and regenerative and reproductive medicine. This meeting will convene the global research community in this rapidly evolving field to consolidate emerging frameworks and define the next frontier in stem cell and developmental biology.

February 2–5, 2026

Stromal cell biology investigates how fibroblasts and endothelial cells shape tissue development, function, and pathology through dynamic interactions with parenchymal and immune cells. This meeting will focus on stromal regulation of immune responses in homeostasis, infection, cancer, autoimmunity, and fibrosis, while highlighting innovative tools to study these processes in vivo. Attendees will gain new insights into how stromal cells influence immune function and tissue biology across diverse disease contexts, with built-in opportunities for networking and career development.

The program will also spotlight emerging therapeutic targets and the rapid rise of stromal-targeted therapies in clinical development. By bringing together researchers from academia, clinical practice, and the biotech industry, this meeting aims to break down silos, foster cross-disciplinary collaboration, and accelerate translational research.

Jointly held with the Keystone Symposia on Fibrosis: Cross Organ Pathology and Pathways to Clinical Development, this pairing will drive interdisciplinary discovery at the intersection of fibroblast biology, extracellular matrix biology, inflammation and immunity as it relates to chronic disease pathology. Attendees will get full access to both conferences for the price of one, maximizing learning and collaboration opportunities! 

Wylie Center and Tupper Manor at Endicott College, Beverly, MA, United States

April 13–16, 2026 

 

Membrane transport proteins regulate the movement of nutrients, ions, hormones, neurotransmitters, drugs, and toxins across cellular membranes, playing essential roles in cellular physiology and homeostasis. Solute Carrier (SLC) transporters represent the largest family of these proteins, yet they remain significantly underexplored as drug targets. Unlocking their therapeutic potential requires deeper insight into their biological functions, regulatory mechanisms, and structural dynamics, supported by advanced tools such as computational modeling, cryo-EM, and high-throughput screening technologies.

This conference will convene leading experts in SLC transporter pharmacology, physiology, and structural biology to advance understanding and foster a collaborative research community focused on leveraging SLCs for drug development, diagnostics, and precision medicine. 

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Closing the Data Gap in Global Genomics, Medicine & Population Health 

Herrenhausen Palace, Hannover, Germany

April 27–30, 2026

 

This symposium will explore the global health impact of large-scale, population-based genomic studies, emphasizing their role in uncovering genetic, lifestyle, and environmental drivers of disease across populations. It will highlight key scientific discoveries from longitudinal cohort research and underscore the importance of geographically and demographically broad study populations for advancing precision medicine and population health.

In addition to examining genomic variability, the program will showcase cutting-edge advances in leveraging data from wearable technologies, medical imaging, and blood-based biomarkers to predict, diagnose, and monitor disease. Discussions will also address challenges in data collection, curation, accessibility, and analysis of complex datasets, and how these efforts are being translated into improved disease prevention, early diagnosis, and personalized treatment strategies worldwide.

Return to the September 2025 Keypoint Newsletter