IMPSS Events

Dr. Carolina Lucchesi is the Principal Scientist and Head of the Microphysiological Systems (MPS) program at ATCC, under the BioNexus Foundation. She earned her Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Biology from the University of Campinas, Brazil, and boasts over 20 years of expertise in Tissue Engineering and Organ-on-Chip technology. Dr. Lucchesi played a pivotal role in the development of Emulate’s core organ-on-chip technology at the Harvard Wyss Institute, being a key member of the founding technical team. She is a distinguished biological scientist and engineer, with extensive experience in both individual and team settings, focusing on the utilization and advancement of MPS. Throughout her career, Dr. Lucchesi has secured several patents and collaborated closely with pharmaceutical companies. Her work has been instrumental in formulating and executing strategies to investigate drug absorption, metabolism, oral bioavailability, drug-drug interactions, safety, and efficacy of small molecules.  In her current role, Dr. Lucchesi leads the MPS program, driving innovation in advanced 3D models and enhancing existing and new content for application in cutting-edge technologies.

clucchesi@atcc.org

Lizzy is a passionate innovator in biomedical engineering, specializing in microphysiological systems (MPS) for cancer research. As the Business Development Manager and US Technical Lead at AIM Biotech, she uses her expertise to drive the adoption of MPS platforms in drug discovery and development, accelerating the translation of preclinical research into meaningful patient outcomes. 

Beyond her technical expertise, Lizzy has a strong track record of leadership, advocacy, and professional development. She served in key leadership positions at the University of Minnesota including as a graduate student representative for multiple organizations and as a mental health advocate for the graduate school community. Her contributions earned her the President’s Student Leadership and Service Award and the Sharon L. Doherty Student Leadership Award.

elizabeth.crist@aimbiotech.com

Hiroki Nakae started the career as a neuroscience researcher in Toshiba corporation from 1986 and then a manager of bioinformatics business division in Hitachi Ltd. from 1999. He has since experienced many business ventures. At present, he is President and CEO of Bio-business solutions. 
He is one of the founders of Japan bio Measurement & Analysis Consortium (JMAC) from 2006 and Director General and director of R&D division now. He plays an active role in ISO standard development as the convener and an expert of several technical committees in parallel to the assessor of clinical laboratory based on ISO 15189 performed by Japan accreditation board. 

nakae@jmac.or.jp

Joshua Loessberg-Zahl, Univ. Twente/Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (The Netherlands)
Joshua Loessberg-Zahl is a senior researcher at the University of Twente in the Netherlands where he helps lead a team of researchers working on the Translational Organ-on-Chip Platform (TOP). His work has a strong focus on the use of standards to accelerate the translation of MPS technology from academia to industry. Complementary to this, he actively contributes to the ongoing ISO-level standardization efforts in the fields of Organ-on-Chip, MPS, and Microfluidics.

j.t.loessberg-zahl@utwente.nl

Sandro Meucci, Micronit (The Netherlands)
Sandro Meucci is a Senior Scientist at Micronit BV, where he leads the development of microfluidic technology for Organ-on-a-Chip (OoC) applications.  He has been involved in national and international research projects, such as Moore4Medical, UNLOoC, NXTGEN HIGHTECH and PHOENIX, and contributed to the development of microfluidic systems in Micronit’s product portfolio.

Sandro’s work at Micronit includes the integration of MEMS and microfluidics to create autonomously functioning systems with a high level of control. His expertise in cell culturing and organ-on-a-chip technologies has positioned him as a known player in the field, working closely with customers and partners to develop products that mimic in vitro the in vivo complexity as accurately as possible.  Sandro regularly participates in conferences and webinars, sharing his knowledge and insights on standardization and the latest developments in microfluidics and biomedical engineering.

The Association of Biomolecular Resource Facilities (ABRF) and the International Microphysiological Systems Society (IMPSS) invite you to join a joint program to discuss collaboration opportunities to advance shared interests.  This first program will cover topics related to high-throughput imaging technology used in Core facilities to enable MPS. It is a valuable technique for phenotypic screening assays, evaluating the response of cells, cell-based models, or organisms to various types of perturbagens.

High-Content, High-Throughput Imaging: An Overview

Arvydas Matiukas PhD,

SUNY Upstate Medical University

Visionary Partnerships for MPS: Showcasing Nikon’s Imaging Expertise

Ms. Noriko Matsumoto

NIKON CORPORATION, Nikon Healthcare R&D Center Shonan, Senior Researcher

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Speakers:
Philip Hewitt, Merck Healthcare KGaA
Marian Raschke, Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals
Mario Beilmann, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG.
Stefan Kustermann, Roche

Moderated by: Lorna Ewart, Emulate

Pre-read article: Pognan, F., Beilmann, M., Boonen, H.C.M. et al. The evolving role of investigative toxicology in the pharmaceutical industry. Nat Rev Drug Discov 22, 317-335 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41573-022-00633-x

Panelists: Philip Hewitt, Marian Raschke, Mario Beilmann, Stefan Kustermann

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Are you a student considering a co-op in MPS?
Are you an MPS company considering taking on co-op students?

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Speakers:
James Hickman, Hesperos
Jan Lichtenberg, InSphero
Nina Hobi, AlveoliX
Paola Occhetta, BiomimX®

Step into the dynamic world of entrepreneurship at “Start ups within microphysiological systems field: how should I start?,” an exclusive webinar organized by the Early Career Investigators Interest Group. We will feature four remarkable speakers who have successfully navigated the startup landscape within the MPS field. Gain invaluable insights as they share their personal journeys, triumphs, and lessons learned along the way. This event is a unique opportunity for the young members of our society to connect with seasoned founders and gather inspiration for your own entrepreneurial endeavors.

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Featured Speaker:
Prof. Linda Griffith, MIT

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