More information
Confirmed Speakers

iPSC-Based Neuronal Platforms for Modeling CNS Infections and Drug Screening
Dr Leonardo D'Aiuto
Department of Psychiatry,
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic,
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA

Towards high throughput 3D phenotypic screening
Associate Professor Kaylene J. Simpson
Head, Victorian Centre for Functional Genomics ACRF Translational RPPA platform
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne

Using iPSCs from domestic and native Australian species for regenerative medicine, species conservation and mammalian evolution
Dr Deanne Whitworth
School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland
Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology

Generating ex-vivo experimental platforms from genetically engineered mice
Professor Patrick Humbert
Professor of Cancer Biology, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science,
Latrobe University

Advances in mouse models of motor neuron disease and frontotemporal dementia
Dr Adam K. Walker
Ross Maclean Senior Research Fellow
NHMRC RD Wright Career Development Fellow
Head, Neurodegeneration Pathobiology Laboratory
Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland

Establishing the Blood Brain Barrier on a chip: lessons learnt so far
Professor Nicolas Voelcker
Science Leader - CSIRO
Scientific Director - Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication
Professor - Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Monash University

Generation of kidney organoids to study development and disease processes
Dr Kynan Lawlor
Murdoch Children's Research Institute
Melbourne

Organoids: Modelling tissue homeostasis and human disease
Dr Elizabeth Vincan
University of Melbourne and Victorian Infectious Disease Reference Laboratory
Additional speakers announced shortly
Agenda
New updated program available for download (PDF, 246KB)
Time |
Activity |
|
DAY 1: Disease modelling: Relevance, advantages & limitations |
Session 1: |
Challenges in modelling host-pathogen biology of human and animal disease |
Session 2: |
Engineering representative animal models, current advances, challenges and limitations |
Session 3: |
Application of Stem Cell Technology for Disease Modelling, filling the gaps of in vivo modelling |
Session 4: |
Model systems "wish list" workshop |
|
DAY 2: Fabricated microenvironments and automation |
Session 5: |
Developing organoid and 3D culture models towards personalised treatment strategies |
Session 6: |
Next-generation fabrication for researchers |
Session 7: |
Automated Technologies |
|
DAY 3: AAHL showcase and career opportunities for ECRs |
|
Morning sessions at Australia’s biocontainment facility, The Australian Animal Health Laboratories (AAHL). |
|
ECR career discussion and networking workshop at Little Creature Brewery Geelong. |
Location:

This Cutting Edge Symposium will be held in the regional port city of Geelong. Geelong is home to large Deakin University campuses, several hospitals and other research institutes including Australia’s biocontainment facility, The CSIRO Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL).
This meeting will be held in "the High Ground - Wurdi Youang" room under Geelong Regional Library and Heritage Centres distinctive "Dome". The High Ground is a unique, 250 capacity under-the-dome space with inspiring architecture, intuitive technology and a north-facing balcony with scene-stealing views over Geelong, Corio Bay and the You Yangs. Located in the heart of Geelong’s cultural precinct, the High Ground is adjacent to historic Johnstone Park, the CBD and the waterfront. This venue is also adjacent to the Geelong railway station and therefore provides an easy daily commute for attendees from the heart of Melbourne.
Convening Committee:

Nathan Gödde (co-chair)
Megan Dearnley (co-chair)
Vinod Sundaramoorthy
Ryan Farr
John Bingham
Sally McArthur
Carmel O'Brien
Michelle Baker
Leah Cosgrove
Elizabeth Pharo
Sinead Williams
This Symposium is supported by funding received from the CSIRO Research Office, Cutting Edge Science Symposium program.