Didier Stainier is Professor, Director and Scientific Member at the Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research in Bad Nauheim, Germany, where he leads the Department of Developmental Genetics.
His laboratory uses the zebrafish as a powerful vertebrate model to investigate how organs form, function, maintain homeostasis, and regenerate.
By combining forward and reverse genetics with high-resolution live imaging, his group has made major contributions to our understanding of cardiovascular development, vascular biology, pancreatic and lung development, and mechanisms of organ repair.
Didier Stainier is internationally recognized as a leading figure in zebrafish research and developmental genetics, and his work continues to shape the use of fish models in biomedical discovery.
We are honored to welcome our distinguished keynote speakers, whose pioneering research continues to advance scientific understanding across disease models, development, and biomedical research.
Philippe Mourrain is Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University, where he is affiliated with the Major Laboratories and Clinical & Translational Neurosciences Incubator.
His research bridges neurobiology, sleep science, molecular genetics, developmental biology and advanced imaging. The Mourrain Lab uses zebrafish and mouse models to study how sleep shapes brain function, synaptic regulation and neuronal repair.
The Mourrain Lab also investigates how disturbances in these processes may contribute to neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders. His work has been instrumental in establishing zebrafish as a powerful model for investigating the cellular and molecular mechanisms of sleep.
In addition to his research and teaching activities, he serves as Associate Dean for Research at Stanford School of Medicine.
Ewa Snaar-Jagalska is Professor Emeritus of Cellular Tumour Biology at Leiden University’s Institute of Biology Leiden.
Her research has made important contributions to the use of zebrafish embryos as in vivo models for human cancer, with particular emphasis on tumour angiogenesis, metastasis, tumour–microenvironment interactions and xenotransplantation.
By combining advanced imaging with zebrafish disease models, her work has helped establish zebrafish as a powerful platform for studying cancer progression and for the rapid assessment of potential therapeutic targets and anti-cancer strategies.
Her expertise strongly connects fundamental cancer biology with translational approaches in disease modelling.
Tohru Ishitani is Professor of Homeostatic Regulation at the Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, The University of Osaka. His research explores the molecular and cellular mechanisms that maintain tissue homeostasis, with particular emphasis on cell communication, development, regeneration, aging and disease.
Using zebrafish and other experimental models, his laboratory combines in vivo imaging, genetics, molecular and cell biology, and biochemistry to uncover novel regulatory mechanisms. His work has provided important insights into cell competition, Wnt signalling and the elimination of abnormal cells. The University of Osaka highlights his innovative contributions to homeostatic regulation and the life sciences.
We are pleased to welcome our speakers, whose diverse expertise and innovative research contribute to a rich and inspiring scientific program.
The list of speakers will be updated regularly.
