Workshop for Designer Organoids

July 21 – 22, 2025

Registration

This workshop is only open to the registered participants.

Organoid technology has not only deepened our insights into the complex realm of embryonic development but also propelled the frontiers of regenerative medicine. In contrast to the traditional 2D tissue cultures, organoids possess an inherent tissue complexity, replicating the intricate cellular compositions and 3D architectures that characterize natural organs. The emergent concept of designer organoids takes advantage of engineering techniques, such as dynamic biomaterials, bioprinting, microfluidics, and artificial intelligence (AI), to gain precise control over organoid development, assembly, and functionality. This workshop aims to achieve the following goals:

  • Discuss the challenges and innovations in designing functional, programmable, reproducible organoids.
  • Create new opportunities to promote regional collaborations and a research consortium on organoid technology.
  • Share experience on aligning funding priorities and applying for future large collaborative grants.

Schedule

Day 1 July 21st, 2025

1:00 – 1:20 PM                               | Networking with Refreshments

1:20 – 2:00 PM                               | Keynote Speaker

2:00 – 3:30 PM                               | Session 1: Regional Strengths in Organoid Research

4:00 – 5:30 PM                               | Rapid-Fire Presentations from SU Organoid Researchers

6:00 – 7:30 PM                               | Reception & Light Dinner with Speakers

Day 2 July 22nd, 2025

7:30 – 8:30 AM                               | Breakfast & Networking

8:30 – 9:10 AM                               | Keynote Speaker

9:10 – 11:10 AM                            | Session 2: Organoid Design, Engineering, and Manufacturing

11:15 – 11:45 AM                         | Networking Break

11:45 AM – 1:00 PM                   | Close Lunch & Roundtable Discussion

Organizing Committee

Zhen Ma, Associate Professor, Biomedical & Chemical Engineering

Era Jain, Assistant Professor, Biomedical & Chemical Engineering

Michael Blatchley, Assistant Professor, Biomedical & Chemical Engineering

Yi Zheng, Assistant Professor, Biomedical & Chemical Engineering

Other Support

Deanna McCay, Associate Director of Research Development, the Office of Research

Emily Wheeler, Administrative Support and Event Coordinator, the Office of Research

Kara Hughes, Operations Specialist, BioInspired Institute

This workshop is funded by Team Building for Large, Collaborative Grants by the Office of Research.