Young Investigators
Meet & Greet Lunch with the Young Investigator Committee
Tuesday, September 30 | 12:30-13:30 | H8-01-D
Join us for a relaxed Meet and Greet Lunch with the Young Investigator Committee (YIC). This informal gathering will offer trainees the opportunity to meet YIC members, learn about ongoing initiatives, and explore ways to get involved in the IXA community. It’s a great chance to connect early in the meeting and kickstart new collaborations!
Mentoring the Future: A Session to Inspire Young Investigators
Thursday, October 2 | 17:10-18:45 | Auditorium
Join us for an inspiring and forward-looking session designed specifically for young investigators interested in the future of xenotransplantation. This dynamic program will feature leading experts discussing cutting-edge topics ranging from breeding and blastocyst complementation to xenograft pathology and the first clinical experiences with kidney xenotransplantation.
Through engaging talks and an interactive panel discussion, attendees will gain unique scientific insights, hear career reflections from pioneers in the field, and have the opportunity to ask questions directly. Whether you are just starting out or looking to deepen your involvement in xenotransplantation research, this session will offer valuable knowledge, inspiration, and connections.
Moderators:
Raphael Meier
Chair, IXA young Investigator Committee
Associate Professor of Surgery, Liver, Kidney, and Pancreas Transplant and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Maryland, United States
Konrad Fischer
Postdoc, Chair of Livestock Biotechnology, Technical University Munich, Germany
On the Agenda:
Breeding vs cloning
Eckhard Wolf, Germany
Xenotransplantation: the blastocyst complementation route
Hiroshi Nakauchi, United States
BANFF classification for Kidney, Heart and Liver xenograft pathology
Alessia Giarraputo, France
Xenotransplantation - five decades of progress
Megan Sykes, United States
Initial clinical experience with compassionate-use kidney xenotransplantation
Jeffrey Stern, United States
Panel discussion and audience Q&A
Young Investigator Networking Event
Thursday, October 2 | 18:45-19:30
* CHANGE OF VENUE: This event will now be held at Campus Biotech to make the event more accessible to all Young Investigators.*
included in the registration fees
Join us for an informal and fun evening of networking and community building! We are planning a "Young vs. Senior Investigator" trivia or Jeopardy-style quiz featuring fun facts about xenotransplantation and the IXA community. Whether you’re a trainee or a senior expert, this will be a relaxed setting to meet new colleagues, share ideas, and kick off new collaborations.
This event was previously planned to be held on Bateau Genève but due to the distance and short event duration, it's more convenient for all all to stay at Campus Biotech.
Fun Run & Walk
Wednesday, October 1 | 7am departure
Included in the registration fees
Our Young Investigator Committee looks forward leading a run or walk along Lake Geneva! Sign up regardless of your fitness level, take part and enjoy a jog (or stroll) - approx. 5 km (3 miles).
Start: Bain des Pâquis (public gathering point)
Head east along the lake promenade toward Baby Plage, staying on the lakeside pedestrian path.
Pass landmarks: Jet d'Eau, English Garden (Jardin Anglais)
Turnaround point: Shortly after Baby Plage (approximately 1.5 miles out)
Return along the same lakeside route back to Bain des Pâquis
Terrain: Flat, scenic, fully paved along Lake Geneva
Difficulty: Easy, relaxed pace — walkers and runners welcome