Community Calendar https://portal.impss.org/events/event_list.asp Fri, 23 Oct 2026 03:42:53 GMT Sun, 15 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT Copyright © 2026 International MPS Society iMPSS TERMIS Preconference Workshop: Microphysiological and Multi-Cellular Engineered Living Systems https://portal.impss.org/events/eventdetails.aspx?id=2074633 https://portal.impss.org/events/eventdetails.aspx?id=2074633 New Orleans, Louisiana  |  November 15–18, 2026 Blog Post -->
TERMIS-AM 2026 Pre-Conference Workshop

Exploring the Scientific Frontiers of Engineered Living Systems

The iMPSS Americas Regional Chapter and the M-CELS Interest Group are bringing together leaders from academia, government, and translational research for a pre-conference workshop at TERMIS-AM 2026:

Microphysiological and Multi-Cellular Engineered Living Systems: Scientific Frontiers and Translational Opportunities

Microphysiological systems (MPS) and multi-cellular engineered living systems (M-CELS) are transforming how researchers model human biology. Advances in synthetic biology, organoid intelligence, engineered living machines, and human microphysiological systems are enabling increasingly sophisticated biological functions to be recreated in vitro—opening new possibilities for drug discovery, disease modeling, regenerative medicine, and human health research.

Moving these innovations from breakthrough research to robust, reproducible, and widely adopted tools will require coordinated scientific, regulatory, and translational efforts. This workshop will examine both the emerging technologies shaping the field and the validation strategies, regulatory frameworks, and practical pathways needed to accelerate real-world implementation.

Through invited presentations and a forward-looking panel discussion, participants will explore the future of engineered living systems and the roadmap needed to translate scientific innovation into practical, impactful applications.

What the Workshop Will Explore

Synthetic Biology
Programming biological systems and engineering coordinated cellular functions.
Biobots and Living Machines
Designing living systems that generate functional and responsive outputs.
Organoid Intelligence
Connecting organoid technologies with computation and biological intelligence.
Translation and Regulation
Advancing validation, regulatory readiness, funding, and adoption of NAMs.

Featured Speakers

Roger Kamm, PhD

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

A leader in biomechanics, bioengineering, and microphysiological systems whose work includes microfluidic and engineered tissue platforms, vascularized 3D tissue models, and translational technologies for studying human physiology and disease.

Ron Weiss, PhD

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

A pioneer in synthetic biology and Director of MIT's Synthetic Biology Center, with research spanning engineered gene networks, cell-to-cell communication, cancer immunotherapy, and programmable organoids.

Ritu Raman, PhD

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

A mechanical engineer and bioengineer whose research focuses on neuromuscular tissue engineering, biofabrication, and the development of adaptive biological materials and living machines.

Lena Smirnova, PhD

Johns Hopkins University

An expert in microphysiological systems and developmental new approach methodologies, with research addressing developmental neurotoxicity, gene-environment interactions, and organoid-based models.

Nicole C. Kleinstreuer, PhD

National Institutes of Health (NIH), Division of Program Coordination, Planning, and Strategic Initiatives

An internationally recognized leader in human-relevant research strategies, regulatory science, computational modeling, predictive toxicology, and the advancement of new approach methodologies.

Workshop Agenda

Workshop time: 1:00–4:00 PM

1:00–1:20 PM
Welcome, Introduction, and The Evolution of In Vitro Living Systems
Magdalena Kasendra, PhD; Elizabeth Crist, PhD; and Roger Kamm, PhD
1:20–1:45 PM
Programming Life: Synthetic Biology in Tissue Engineering
Ron Weiss, PhD
1:45–2:10 PM
Biobots and Living Machines: Engineering Functional Output
Ritu Raman, PhD
2:10–2:35 PM
Organoid Intelligence and Computational Integration
Lena Smirnova, PhD
2:35–2:40 PM
Coffee Break
2:40–3:05 PM
The Promise of NAMs: Policy, Funding, and the Regulatory Landscape
Nicole C. Kleinstreuer, PhD
3:05–3:50 PM
Panel Discussion: Accelerating Translation, Validation, and Regulatory Readiness of MPS and M-CELS Technologies
Panelists: Roger Kamm, PhD; Lena Smirnova, PhD; and Nicole C. Kleinstreuer, PhD
3:50–4:00 PM
Closing Remarks

Join the Conversation

Learn more about this pre-conference workshop and explore the TERMIS-AM 2026 Annual Conference & Exhibition.

View Workshop Details
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