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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Madrid:20260311T080000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Madrid:20260313T170000
DTSTAMP:20260417T145403
CREATED:20251022T124028Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251022T124028Z
UID:129384-1773216000-1773421200@ibecbarcelona.eu
SUMMARY:4th edition EMBL-IBEC Conference Egineering Multicellular Systems
DESCRIPTION:EMBL and IBEC aim to contribute to the discussion on challenges and opportunities in the expanding field of engineered multicellular systems. \nRecent breakthroughs in stem cell biology\, organ-on-chip assays\, 3D bioprinting\, and cell mechanobiology have revolutionized our ability to design and assemble multicellular living systems\, from organoids to embryos. \nThis biennial series will focus on how engineering such systems is advancing our understanding of tissue and organ function\, with applications in disease modeling\, developmental biology\, and regenerative medicine. \nTo register click here
URL:https://ibecbarcelona.eu/event/4th-edition-embl-ibec-conference-egineering-multicellular-systems/
LOCATION:PRBB (Parc de Recerca Biomèdica de Barcelona)\, Ramon y Cajal Room
CATEGORIES:IBEC Symposium / Conference / Congress / Workshop
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Madrid:20260313T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Madrid:20260313T110000
DTSTAMP:20260417T145403
CREATED:20260313T084522Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260313T084522Z
UID:132678-1773396000-1773399600@ibecbarcelona.eu
SUMMARY:IBEC Seminar: Dr. Mykhailo Batiuk
DESCRIPTION:Glia\, Schizophrenia\, and Trauma at Cellular Resolution\n\nDr. Mykhailo Batiuk\,  École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne.\n\nThe complexity of the brain in both health and pathology stems from its immense cellular heterogeneity. Consequently\, it is increasingly recognized that studying the brain at cellular resolution is essential for understanding its function. In this talk\, I will present my research focused on glial diversity and the molecular perturbations underlying psychiatric conditions\, investigated through the lens of single-cell genomics.\n\nFirst\, I will discuss the discovery of molecular and functional astrocyte heterogeneity. By leveraging single-cell RNA sequencing\, we revealed that astrocytes are not a uniform population but consist of distinct molecular subtypes with unique spatial locations and physiological properties. Second\, I will transition to human pathology\, where I utilized large-scale single-nucleus and spatial transcriptomics to map neuronal perturbations in schizophrenia. This work identified a “hotspot” of disturbance in the upper cortical layers\, providing a new map for understanding the cellular basis of the disorder. Finally\, I will present my current research on the epigenetic basis of traumatic memory. Together\, these insights provide a blueprint for my future research: identifying and validating novel genomic targets to alleviate the pathology of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
URL:https://ibecbarcelona.eu/event/ibec-seminar-dr-mykhailo-batiuk/
LOCATION:Baobab room\, Floor 11\, Tower 1
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Madrid:20260327T090000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Madrid:20260327T133000
DTSTAMP:20260417T145403
CREATED:20260304T112012Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260324T093807Z
UID:132411-1774602000-1774618200@ibecbarcelona.eu
SUMMARY:Thematic Network. NET-RARE Workshop 4: Bridging Rare Diseases Scientific Research and Clinical Needs
DESCRIPTION:This fourth workshop aims to bring together representatives from medical hospitals\, pharma and spin-off companies\, patient associations\, and research groups to create an interactive panel discussion on rare diseases from multiple perspectives. Following brief presentations introducing each participant’s research area and expertise\, a round-table discussion will take place after the coffee break to explore key challenges in communication and collaboration across disciplines. \nThe session will focus on how scientific research can more effectively address clinical needs\, and how clinicians can help guide and strengthen research directions. With contributions from patient associations and pharma/spin-off representatives\, the discussion will also highlight the development of effective therapies and the patient perspective\, emphasizing the importance of strong cross-sector collaboration in the rare disease landscape. \n  \nScheduled Program:  \n9.30-9.40: Welcome and short introduction of the workshop \n9.40-10.00: Invited speaker: Daniel Natera de Benito\, Neuromuscular Unit of Hospital Sant Joan de Déu (Barcelona) \n10.00-10.20: Invited speaker: Nora Ventosa\, Nora Ventosa\, Co-founder and CEO of DELBIOS Pharmaceuticals SL and Co-founder and President of Nanomol Technologies SL. \n10.20-10.40: Chiara Ninfali\, IBEC group “Biosensors for Bioengineering” \n10.40-11.00: Invited speaker: Maria Cols Roig\, from Pediatric Pulmonology Department and the Cystic Fibrosis Unit\, Sant Joan de Déu Hospital \n11.00-11.20: Invited speaker: Marisol Montolio dell’Olmo\, Scientific director of Duchenne Parent Project Spain Association \n11.20-12.00: Coffee Break and Networking \n12.00-13.00: Round Table \n13.00-13.10: Remarks and Closing \n  \nTo register click here
URL:https://ibecbarcelona.eu/event/thematic-network-net-rare-workshop-4-bridging-rare-diseases-scientific-research-and-clinical-needs/
LOCATION:Baobab room\, Floor 11\, Tower 1
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Madrid:20260408T150000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Madrid:20260408T160000
DTSTAMP:20260417T145403
CREATED:20260331T123720Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T123720Z
UID:133054-1775660400-1775664000@ibecbarcelona.eu
SUMMARY:Ibec Seminar. M. Carolina Florian
DESCRIPTION:Targeting RhoA mechanoactivity rejuvenates aged hematopoietic stem cells  \nM. Carolina Florian\, Stem Cell Aging Group\, Regenerative Medicine Program\, The Bellvitge Institute for Biomedical Research (IDIBELL)\, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat\, Barcelona\, Spain. \nProgram for advancing the Clinical Translation of Regenerative Medicine of Catalonia\, P-CMR[C]\, Barcelona\, Spain\nThe Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA)\, Barcelona\, Spain\nMechanical alterations contribute to the decreased regenerative capacity of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) upon aging. RhoA is a key regulator of mechanosignaling\, but its role in mechanotransduction in stem cell aging remains unclear. Recently we have demonstrated that RhoA is activated by increasing nuclear envelope (NE) tension by cell confinement and by osmotic shock. Interestingly\, our data show that aged HSCs experience physiologically higher intrinsic NE tension and RhoA activation. We show that pharmacological inhibition of RhoA activity lowers NE tension in aged HSCs. Feature image analysis of HSC nuclei reveals that an aged dependent chromatin remodeling is responsible of higher NE tension levels upon aging. Moreover\, our data show that RhoA inhibition restores youthful levels of the heterochromatin marker H3K9me2 in aged HSCs and decreases chromatin accessibility and transcription at retrotransposons. Finally\, we demonstrated that RhoA inhibition in aged HSCs upregulates Klf4 expression and transcriptional activity\, improving aged HSC regenerative capacity and lympho-myeloid skewing in vivo. Together\, our data outline an intrinsic RhoA-dependent mechanosignaling axis in HSCs\, which can be pharmacologically targeted to restore aged stem cell function.
URL:https://ibecbarcelona.eu/event/ibec-seminar-m-carolina-florian/
LOCATION:Baobab room\, Floor 11\, Tower 1
CATEGORIES:IBEC Seminar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Madrid:20260410T090000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Madrid:20260410T160000
DTSTAMP:20260417T145403
CREATED:20260128T092058Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260318T115649Z
UID:131745-1775811600-1775836800@ibecbarcelona.eu
SUMMARY:Thematic Network. NET-CNS Workshop 4: Innovations in CNS Modeling:Cutting-edge In Vitro Systems​
DESCRIPTION:Join us for the fourth NET-CNS Workshop on April 10th! \nThis fourth NET-CNS workshop will focus on innovative experimental platforms and technologies to model central nervous system (CNS) processes and diseases. Particular emphasis will be placed on advanced in vitro systems\, translational research tools\, and emerging technologies that enable more physiologically relevant models for studying CNS biology and developing therapeutic strategies. \nThe event will bring together experts from academia\, clinical research institutions\, and industry to discuss new approaches for understanding CNS function and pathology and for advancing biomedical innovation in neuroscience. \nSpeakers \n\nTeresa Botta Orfila – Head of the HCB-IDIBAPS Biobank (Barcelona). She leads initiatives in human biobanking\, biological sample management\, and translational infrastructures supporting biomedical research\, precision medicine\, and clinical studies.\nVíctor Borrell – Research Professor at the Instituto de Neurociencias (CSIC-UMH)\, Alicante. His research focuses on brain development and evolution\, particularly the cellular and molecular mechanisms that control neuronal migration\, cortical expansion\, and the formation of neural circuits.\nRosa Monge – Scientist at Beonchip (Zaragoza)\, a biotechnology company developing organ-on-chip technologies. Her work focuses on microphysiological systems and organ-on-chip platforms that enable the creation of advanced in vitro models for drug discovery and biomedical research.\nMaria Bernabeu – Group Leader at EMBL Barcelona. Her research integrates computational and experimental approaches to study tissue architecture and cellular organization\, using quantitative biology and advanced imaging to understand multicellular systems in health and disease.\nSandra Acosta – Professor at the University of Barcelona (UB) and researcher at Hospital Sant Joan de Déu and the Pasqual Maragall Foundation. Her research focuses on neurodegeneration and Alzheimer’s disease\, particularly on early pathological mechanisms\, neuroinflammation\, and translational strategies to identify biomarkers and therapeutic targets.\n\nProgramme \n09:30 – Registration \n09:50 – Welcome from Network Coordinator \n10:00 – IBEC Speaker: Jorge Oliver de la Cruz – Cellular and Molecular Mechanobiologygroup\, IBEC. “Mechanical cues regulate Tau axonal localization through microtubule stabilization” \n10:40 – Invited Speaker: Teresa Botta Orfila – Head of HCB-IDIBAPS Biobank\, Barcelona. “Biobanks as essential hubs for research”. \n11:20 – Coffee Break and Networking \n11:50 – Invited Speaker: Víctor Borrell – Instituto de Neurociencias (CSIC-UMH)\, Alicante. “Evolution of neural stem cells and lineages in the cerebral cortex of amniotes” \n12:30 – Industry Speaker: Rosa Monge – Beonchip\, Zaragoza. \n13:15 – Lunch Break \n14:15 – Invited Speaker: Maria Bernabeu – EMBL Barcelona. “Building and breaking barriers: bioengineered 3D brain microvascular models for malaria research” \n15:00 – Invited Speaker: Sandra Acosta – University of Barcelona\, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu & Pasqual Maragall Foundation\, Barcelona. “Modeling Neurological Disease Progression in vitro: The Promise and Pitfalls of Brain Organoids in Alzheimer’s and COVID-19” \n15:45 – End of the Workshop \nTo register click here.
URL:https://ibecbarcelona.eu/event/thematic-network-net-cns-workshop-4-innovations-in-cns-modelingcutting-edge-in-vitro-systems/
LOCATION:Baobab room\, Floor 11\, Tower 1
CATEGORIES:IBEC Seminar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Madrid:20260415T120000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Madrid:20260415T130000
DTSTAMP:20260417T145403
CREATED:20260320T075958Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260320T080207Z
UID:132904-1776254400-1776258000@ibecbarcelona.eu
SUMMARY:Ibec Seminar: Dr. Federico Fenaroli
DESCRIPTION:Developing Nanomedicines Using the Zebrafish Embryo\nDr. Federico Fenaroli\,  University of Stavanger\, Norwey \nOur research focuses on the development of nanomedicines to combat bacterial infections and cancer. We investigate the dynamic in vivo interactions between nanoparticles\, immune cells\, and pathogenic bacteria or cancer cells. Thanks to their natural transparency\, zebrafish embryos enable high-resolution imaging and real-time tracking of nanoparticles within a living organism. This model provides valuable insights into therapeutic behavior\, biodistribution\, and host–pathogen interactions\, supporting the rational design of nanomedicines.
URL:https://ibecbarcelona.eu/event/ibec-seminar-dr-federico-fenaroli/
LOCATION:Baobab room\, Floor 11\, Tower 1
CATEGORIES:IBEC Seminar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Madrid:20260417T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Madrid:20260417T110000
DTSTAMP:20260417T145403
CREATED:20250915T091947Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250915T124500Z
UID:128356-1776423600-1776423600@ibecbarcelona.eu
SUMMARY:Ibec Seminar. Prof. Kara Spiller
DESCRIPTION:Engineering Macrophages with Biomaterials for Regenerative Medicine\nKara L. Spiller\, PhD\, URBN Professor of Biomedical Innovation\, School of Biomedical Engineering\, Science\, and Health Systems\, Drexel University\, Philadelphia\, PA\, USA \nThe inflammatory response\, orchestrated primarily by macrophages\, plays a major role in the body’s response to injury\, disease\, or implantation of a biomaterial. When macrophages function normally\, they are a powerful force that promote tissue repair and regeneration\, but when their behavior goes awry\, healing is impaired. Our goal is to understand the mechanisms by which the inflammatory response orchestrates successful tissue regeneration and to develop novel biomaterial strategies that apply these principles to situations in which tissue regeneration is impaired. In particular\, we study macrophages in inflammation\, phagocytosis\, cellular recruitment\, vascularization\, cell proliferation\, tissue deposition\, or remodeling\, and we design biomaterials that leverage these findings for improved biomaterials design\, enhanced macrophage cell therapy\, and personalized medicine. Current projects in the lab are directed towards treatment of pulmonary fibrosis and chronic wound healing through biomaterial-enabled macrophage cell therapies. \nDr. Kara Spiller is the URBN Endowed Professor of Biomedical Innovation in Drexel University’s School of Biomedical Engineering\, Science\, and Health Systems. Her research focuses on the role of immune cells in tissue repair and regeneration and the design of immunomodulatory biomaterials. Her research is funded by the NIH\, the NSF\, private foundations\, and industry. Her awards include a Fulbright fellowship\, the NSF CAREER award\, and the United States Dept. of State ASPIRE prize. She has published more than 85 publications in biomaterials and immune engineering\, and has 18 issued or pending patents. She is the founding director of the Immune Modulation & Engineering Symposium series in Philadelphia\, which is the only annually recurring meeting dedicated to convergent research in translational immunology and engineering. She serves on the board of numerous journals and is a frequent NIH study section member.
URL:https://ibecbarcelona.eu/event/ibec-seminar-prof-kara-spiller/
LOCATION:Baobab room\, Floor 11\, Tower 1
CATEGORIES:IBEC Seminar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Madrid:20260420T160000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Madrid:20260420T170000
DTSTAMP:20260417T145403
CREATED:20260417T070744Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260417T070744Z
UID:133239-1776700800-1776704400@ibecbarcelona.eu
SUMMARY:Ibec Seminar: Hans Clevers
DESCRIPTION:Human organoids model disease in 3D and in 2D\nHans Clevers\, MD\, PhD \, Professor of Molecular Genetics\, Utrecht University  \nThe intestinal epithelium is the most rapidly self-renewing tissue in adult mammals. We originally defined Lgr5 as a Wnt target gene\, transcribed in colon cancer cells. Two knock-in alleles revealed exclusive expression of Lgr5 in cycling\, columnar cells at the crypt base. Using lineage tracing experiments in adult mice\, we found that these Lgr5+ve crypt base columnar cells (CBC) generated all epithelial lineages throughout life\, implying that they represent the stem cell of the small intestine and colon. Lgr5 was subsequently found to represent an exquisitely specific\, yet ‘generic’ marker for active epithelial stem cells\, including in hair follicles\, kidney\, liver\, mammary gland\, inner ear tongue and stomach epithelium.  \nSingle sorted Lgr5+ve stem cells can initiate ever-expanding crypt-villus organoids\, or so called ‘mini-guts’ in 3D culture. The technology is based on the observation that Lgr5 is the receptor for a potent stem cell growth factor\, R-spondin. Similar 3D cultures systems have been developed for the Lgr5+ve stem cells of human stomach\, liver\, pancreas\, prostate and kidney. Using CRISPR/Cas9 technology\, genes can be efficiently modified in organoids of various origins. Organoid technology opens a range of avenues for the study of development\, physiology and disease\, for drug development and for personalized medicine. In the long run\, cultured mini-organs may replace transplant organs from donors and hold promise in gene therapy. \n\nAbout Hans Clevers: \nHans Clevers characterized the molecular effectors of the Wnt pathway: the TCF transcription factors. His group described the role of Wnt in (intestinal) stem cell biology and cancer\, eventually leading to the discovery of LGR5 as a novel stem cell marker. This eventually led him to pioneer tissue stem cell based organoids\, 3-dimensional in vitro structures that behave anatomically and molecularly like the organ from which they are derived. Organoid biology has revolutionized the way we approach human biology. \nHans Clevers obtained his MD and PhD degrees from the University of Utrecht\, the Netherlands. He holds a professorship in Molecular Genetics from the University of Utrecht. He previously held directorship/president positions at the Hubrecht Institute\, the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences and the Princess Maxima Center for pediatric oncology. He has served in the Supervisory Board (2019-2022) and as head of Roche’s Pharma Research & Early Development (pRED; 2022-2025). During this time\, he oversaw the establishment of Roche’s Institute of Human Biology (IHB) in Basel. He currently supervises his research groups at the Hubrecht Institute and the Princess Máxima Center. \nHe is the recipient of multiple international scientific awards\, including the Breakthrough Prize in Life Science. Hans Clevers is a member of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (NL)\, the National Academy of Sciences (USA)\, the Royal Society (UK) and the Academie des Sciences (France). He is also Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur and Knight in the Order of the Netherlands Lion\, among many other international accolades.
URL:https://ibecbarcelona.eu/event/ibec-seminar-hans-clevers/
LOCATION:Auditori Antoni Caparrós\, PCB\, Tower D\, c/Baldiri Reixac 4-8\, Barcelona\, Spain
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Madrid:20260424T093000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Madrid:20260424T133000
DTSTAMP:20260417T145403
CREATED:20260410T062529Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260410T062900Z
UID:133165-1777023000-1777037400@ibecbarcelona.eu
SUMMARY:Thematic Network. NET-AI Workshop 4: ML for data augmentation and compression and model explicability
DESCRIPTION:This 4th workshop of the NET-AI will cover key practical aspects of machine learning as it applies to the biomedical field\, such as data availability\, data management and interpretation of model outcomes. Through three talks by experts in the field\, novel methodologies for generating synthetic while realistic tabular data to complete incomplete datasets\, data augmentation strategies\, explainability techniques\, and image compression models will be presented.  \n  \nAGENDA  \n9:40 – 10:00 Welcome\n10:00 – 11:00 Cecilio Angulo\n11:00 – 11:30 Coffee break\n11:30 – 12:30 Kevin Barrera\n12:30 – 13:30 Alessia Amelio\n13:30 – 13:40 Closure  \nYou can register here. \n 
URL:https://ibecbarcelona.eu/event/thematic-network-net-ai-workshop-4-ml-for-data-augmentation-and-compression-and-model-explicabilit/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Madrid:20260430T104500
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Madrid:20260430T130000
DTSTAMP:20260417T145403
CREATED:20260320T095836Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260320T095836Z
UID:132910-1777545900-1777554000@ibecbarcelona.eu
SUMMARY:Research4talent
DESCRIPTION:The event offers you the opportunity to engage with our researchers and inquire about their day-to-day work in the lab\, career trajectories\, work-life balance\, mobility\, etc. \nIn 2025\, IBEC signed more than 140 internship agreements for undergraduate and master’s students with a wide range of national and international universities. \n\n\nPROGRAMME · 30th April 2026 \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10:45\nWelcome\n\n\n11:00\nDeputy talent and training director talk. Elisabeth Engel\, “What is IBEC?”\n\n\n11:20\nPeople Management Speech\n\n\n11:30\nPhD Committee presentation\n\n\n\n-Coffee break-\n\n\n11:45\nCareers Fair*: a chance for participants to mingle and chat with our researchers.\n\n\n13:00\nLabs visits\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you are interested in IBEC’s twelfth edition of reSEARCH4TALENT\, please register.
URL:https://ibecbarcelona.eu/event/research4talent-8/
LOCATION:Sala Dolors Aleu\, Cluster II\, IBEC\, Baldiri i Reixac\, Barcelona
CATEGORIES:IBEC Symposium / Conference / Congress / Workshop
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Madrid:20260508T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Madrid:20260508T193000
DTSTAMP:20260417T145403
CREATED:20260417T104632Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260417T104632Z
UID:133249-1778234400-1778268600@ibecbarcelona.eu
SUMMARY:Thematic Network. Final Retreat NET-CNS
DESCRIPTION:Program Overview\nMorning Session (10:00–13:00) \n10:00–10:15 – Welcome & Introduction\n10:15–10:30 – Thematic Network Achievements 10:30–11:00 –Flash presentations\, 2 min each\n11:00-11:30- Coffe Break\nSession 1– 11:30-13:00h Chair Daniel Carter\n11:30–12:15– Invited Speaker: Marc Martinell\, PhD CEO\, Minoryx Therapeutics S.L.\, TecnoCampus Mataró-Maresme\, Barcelona\nOpen Discussion & Q&A\n12:15–13:00 – Invited Speaker: Adrià Tauste Associate Professor\, Department of Physics\, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya\nOpen Discussion & Q&A\n13:00–14:30 – Lunch \nMidday Session (14:30–16:30)\, Chair Monicar Mir \nSession 2- Future Directions in CNS\n14:30–15:00 – Speaker: Antoni Matilla-Dueñas\, BSc MB DSc Head of the Functional and Translational Neurogenetics Unit Director of the Neurogenetics Laboratory\, Department of Neuroscience Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP)\n15:00-15:30 Open Discussion & Q&A\nSession 3– From Advanced Models to Translational Therapies & Discussion 15:30–16:00 – Speaker: Rosa Monge-Benochip\, PhD CEO and co-founder of BEONCHIP S.L\, Zaragoza\n16:00-16:30 Open Discussion & Q&A\n16:30–17:00 – Coffee Break \nAfternoon Session (17:00–18:00) Chair Jorge Oliver and Mariana Azevedo\nSession 4: Roundtable Discussion Closing Remarks\n18:00-19:30 Networking \nFlash Presentations: Participants are invited to present their work in 2-minute flash presentations. During the retreat registration\, you will have the option to indicate your interest in presenting and to upload your abstract. This is a great opportunity to share ideas\, foster collaborations\, and increase visibility within the network.
URL:https://ibecbarcelona.eu/event/thematic-network-final-retreat-net-cns/
LOCATION:Auditori Antoni Caparrós\, PCB\, Tower D\, c/Baldiri Reixac 4-8\, Barcelona\, Spain
CATEGORIES:IBEC Symposium / Conference / Congress / Workshop
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Madrid:20260508T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Madrid:20260508T120000
DTSTAMP:20260417T145403
CREATED:20260408T090300Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260408T090805Z
UID:133150-1778238000-1778241600@ibecbarcelona.eu
SUMMARY:Ibec Seminar. Eric Andrew Appel\, Ph.D. (Cantab)
DESCRIPTION:Polymer-Nanoparticle Hydrogels Enabling Innovations in Cell and Drug Deliver\nEric A. Appel\, Associate Professor of Materials Science & Engineering at Stanford University \nDynamic biomaterials exhibit highly useful properties that are impossible with traditional materials but crucial for a wide variety of emerging applications in biomedicine. These materials typically employ enthalpy-dominated crosslinking interactions that become weaker at elevated temperatures\, leading to significant softening. Herein\, we will discuss the development of a physical hydrogel platform exploiting dynamic and multivalent interactions between biopolymers and nanoparticles that are strongly entropically driven\, providing alternative temperature dependencies than typical for materials of this type. We will discuss the implications of these crosslinking thermodynamics on the observed mechanical properties and discuss the desired mechanical properties for injectability\, including viscous flow under shear stress (shear-thinning) and rapid recovery of mechanical properties when the applied stress is relaxed (self-healing). Moreover\, the hierarchical construction of these biphasic hydrogels enables innovative approaches to formulation and delivery of a diverse array of compounds over user-defined timeframes ranging from days to months. In one example application\, we demonstrate that these unique material characteristics can be leveraged for controlled locoregional exposure of immunomodulatory cargo to greatly enhance anti-cancer immune responses. In another example\, we demonstrate that the dynamic structure of these materials can be leveraged for co-delivery of immunostimulatory cytokines and CAR-T cells to improve cancer treatments. Overall\, this talk will illustrate our recent efforts exploiting dynamic and multivalent interactions between polymers and nanoparticles to generate dynamic\, injectable hydrogel depot technologies exhibiting properties not previously observed in biomaterials and affording unique opportunities in biomedicine. \nEric A. Appel is an Associate Professor of Materials Science & Engineering at Stanford University. He received his PhD in Chemistry at the University of Cambridge and was awarded a Wellcome Trust Postdoctoral Fellowship to work with Prof. Robert Langer at MIT. Eric’s research at Stanford focuses on the development of biomimetic polymeric materials that can be used as tools to better understand fundamental biological processes and to engineer advanced healthcare solutions. His research has led to over 150 publications and 40 patents and has led to three start-up companies. Eric was awarded the IUPAC Hanwha-TotalEnergies Young Polymer Scientist Award in 2022\, the Society for Biomaterials Young Investigator Award in 2023\, and the Biomaterials Science Lectureship Award in 2023\, and the American Chemical Society Kathryn C. Hach Award for Entrepreneurial Success in 2026. He is a Fellow of the American Institute for Medical & Biological Engineers and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry.
URL:https://ibecbarcelona.eu/event/ibec-seminar-eric-andrew-appel-ph-d-cantab/
LOCATION:Baobab room\, Floor 11\, Tower 1
CATEGORIES:IBEC Seminar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Madrid:20260511T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Madrid:20260511T110000
DTSTAMP:20260417T145403
CREATED:20260410T063323Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260410T063323Z
UID:133175-1778493600-1778497200@ibecbarcelona.eu
SUMMARY:Ibec Seminar: Pablo J. Sáez
DESCRIPTION:Decision-making during cell migration\nPablo J. Sáez\, PhD Cell Communication and Migration Laboratory\, UKE\, Hamburg\n\n\nMoving cells navigate inside living tissues often encountering obstacles and junctions\, where their path branches into alternative directions of migration. This is the case of cells moving on top or within blood vessels\, which often bifurcate into branches. Cells have diverse migratory strategies that differentially rely on the adhesion to the substrate. Cells that undergo mesenchymal migration are highly dependent on the adhesion to the substrate\, and when facing bifurcations are forced to coordinate the adhesion and detachment of the competing branches. Recent studies showed how the decision is made -to keep or retract a branch and choose a new direction- when there is bias: open versus dead-end\, differences in pressure\, presence/absence of a chemoattractant. However\, much less is know about how cells decide a new direction when the decision is unbiased. Similarly\, it is poorly understood how migrating cells coordinate membrane dynamics and polarity during branching to maintain a good trade-off between microenvironmental exploration and migratory efficiency.  Here\, we use in vitro live-cell imaging using different levels of complexity\, conventional and label-free microscopy (holotomography)\, advanced image analysis and in vivo live-cell imaging (zebrafish) to analyze the response of migrating cells when facing symmetric junctions\, and extreme branching when cells simultaneously face several bifurcations. We found that actin and membrane dynamics play a key role to choose a new direction in both cases i) when cells face a single symmetric junction (Y-shaped with equal angles\, Ron et al. 2024)\, and ii) when cells exhibit high levels of branching because they face several junctions at the same time (Liu et al.). In addition\, we found that migrating immune cells have a fine tune regulation of branching in order to coordinate surveillance and migration. Microtubules\, and organelle position and function were required in a cell-specific manner for efficient directional decision-making in symmetric\, as well as in asymmetric junctions (i.e. different angles or adhesion). We integrated this data into a coarse-grain model to explain and predict migratory behaviour during decision-making. These results shed light on the mechanisms by which cells resolve unbiased junctions and branching during cell migration.\n\nPablo J. Sáez is a cell biologist from Chile where he did most of his training until the PhD working in cell communication and inflammation in the lab at the Juan Sáez lab (Catholic University). Then\, he did a short transition in the same university\, in the lab of Marcelo Farías working in organelles\, in particular in obesity-induced ER stress. Then\, he came to Europe as a postdoc to work in leukocyte migration and organelle polarity in the lab of Ana-María Lennon at the Institut Curie in Paris. From there he move to the lab of Matthieu Piel at IPGG-Curie in the group of Pablo Vargas to continue his work in leukocyte migration and microfluidics. In 2020 he started his own group as a Full Professor at the UKE in Hamburg\, and since 2022 he leads a HFSP grant team (in collaboration with Yamuna Krishnan and Nir Gov) dedicated to understand directional decision-making. He also has a great interest in promoting diversity\, mentoring\, scientific communication\, and sciart.  
URL:https://ibecbarcelona.eu/event/ibec-seminar-pablo-j-saez/
LOCATION:Baobab room\, Floor 11\, Tower 1
CATEGORIES:IBEC Seminar
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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Madrid:20260513T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Madrid:20260513T120000
DTSTAMP:20260417T145403
CREATED:20260408T090658Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260408T090658Z
UID:133154-1778670000-1778673600@ibecbarcelona.eu
SUMMARY:Ibec Seminar. Assoc. Prof. Laura Alvarez
DESCRIPTION:Bioinspired soft-matter systems: engineering life-like behaviors\nAssoc. Prof. Laura Alvarez\, Associate Professor at the University of Bordeaux and leads the Soft BioColloids group at the Centre de Recherche Paul Pascal (CRPP\, CNRS) \nCells\, even in their simplest forms\, exhibit adaptive motion and task execution\, capabilities underpinned by their complex and hierarchized architecture\, and their ability to dissipate energy. Replicating such intricate behavior at the microscale offers a pathway to uncover the fundamental physical and material ingredients required for biological complexity\, while also inspiring the design of next-generation synthetic cells [1\,2]. Here\, I will demonstrate that using soft and adaptive compartments is the key to a new generation of biomimetic out-of-equilibrium systems. I will show our recent results on the fabrication of motile giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) driven out-of-equilibrium under external actuation. In contrast to the traditional active colloids [3\,4]\, active GUVs present an excellent cell-model system\, thanks to their membrane properties and their ability to enclose nano and micro-objects. We report on their run-and-tumble dynamics\, reminiscent of bacteria dynamic patterns\, mainly due to the intrinsic lipid membrane properties [5] We further investigate controlled deformations and division-like events under electric-fields and light as energy input. We show that these two external fields provide a programmable handle to steer out-of-equilibrium behaviors in these synthetic cells\, enabling membrane mechanics and shape transformations that mimic key features of cell division and protrusion formation. \n  \n[1] G.Volpe\, N. A. M. Araújo\, M. Guix\, M. Miodownik\, N.Martin\, L. Alvarez\, et.al.\, Animated Matter Roadmap (2025) \n[2] V. Willems\, P. Moreno\, J. Fojo\, L. Rodriguez-Arco\, L.Alvarez. Life-like processes in synthetic protocells under external fields. Newton (2026) \n[3] Alvarez\, L.\, Fernandez-Rodriguez\, M.A.\, Alegria\, A. et al. Reconfigurable artificial microswimmers with internal feedback. Nat. Commun. (2021) \n[4] van Kesteren\, S.\, Alvarez\, L Arrese-Igor\, S.\, Alegría\, A.\, Isa\, L\, Self-propelling colloidal finite state machines. PNAS (2024) \n[5] V. Willems\, A. Baron\, D. A. Matoz-Fernandez\, G. Wolfisberg\, E. Dufresne\, J. C. Baret\, and L. Alvarez. Soft Matter (2025). \n  \nDr. Laura Alvarez is an Associate Professor at the University of Bordeaux and leads the Soft BioColloids group at the Centre de Recherche Paul Pascal (CRPP\, CNRS). She completed a joint PhD between the University of Bordeaux and KU Leuven on the dynamics of colloidal liquid crystals\, followed by postdoctoral research at ETH Zurich on responsive\, light-controlled active colloidal assemblies. Her research lies at the interface of soft matter\, active matter\, and synthetic cells. She develops out-of-equilibrium bioinspired microsystems using colloids\, giant lipid vesicles\, microfluidics\, and optical or electrical actuation to study active transport\, membrane shape transformations\, and collective dynamics in minimal cell-like systems. Her work aims to understand and harness non-equilibrium processes to engineer functional\, cell-mimetic microdevices. Dr. Alvarez has also served as an ESA consultant in Soft Matter and Biophysics and is currently involved in microgravity experiments on giant lipid vesicles in collaboration with DLR through the MAPHEUS campaigns. She is an active member of the association Femmes & Sciences in France\, promoting the visibility of women in STEM and outreach in physics\, chemistry\, and space science
URL:https://ibecbarcelona.eu/event/ibec-seminar-assoc-prof-laura-alvarez/
LOCATION:Room 1\, Tower R
CATEGORIES:IBEC Seminar
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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Madrid:20260513T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Madrid:20260513T150000
DTSTAMP:20260417T145403
CREATED:20260320T101141Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260320T101141Z
UID:132912-1778680800-1778684400@ibecbarcelona.eu
SUMMARY:Ibec Seminar:  Dr Pascale Quilichini
DESCRIPTION:Neuronal infra-slow rhythm in the thalamic nucleus reuniens orchestrate hippocampo-prefrontal information flow during sleep\nDr Pascale Quilichini\, Institut de Neurosciences des Systèmes\, INSERM\, Aix-Marseille University \nThe consolidation of episodic memory during sleep relies on coordinated interactions between the hippocampus (HPC) and the prefrontal cortex (PFC)\, although these regions lack direct reciprocal connections. The thalamic nucleus reuniens (NR)\, which is bidirectionally connected to both structures\, is therefore a strong candidate for mediating this dialogue. Using simultaneous silicon-probes recordings from the HPC\, NR\, and PFC in freely sleeping rats\, we identified a previously undescribed infra-slow rhythm (ISR) in NR neuronal activity predominantly during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep.\nHPC and PFC neurons were differentially entrained to distinct phases of this rhythm. Consistently\, hippocampal sharp-wave ripples (SWRs) and prefrontal spindles occurred also preferentially during slightly different ISR phases. Coupled SWR–spindle events peaked at the onset of the ON phase.\nFurthermore\, this coupling was stronger during NREM epochs dominated by ISR compared to those without ISR\, and\, most importantly\, was significantly enhanced during ISR-dominated NREM sleep following spatial learning.\nTogether\, these findings reveal a novel infra-slow population dynamic in the NR that may temporally coordinate hippocampo–prefrontal interactions during sleep\, positioning this nucleus as a key hub in this network supporting memory consolidation.
URL:https://ibecbarcelona.eu/event/ibec-seminar-dr-pascale-quilichini/
LOCATION:Baobab room\, Floor 11\, Tower 1
CATEGORIES:IBEC Seminar
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