26/05/2026
📍On Wednesday, 20th May 2026, the first Interdisciplinary Symposium & Workshop on Veterinary and Translational Organoid Research took place at the Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich.
The symposium brought together researchers and clinicians working with organoids, spheroids and advanced cell culture models across a broad range of veterinary and translational disciplines. Participants from the Vetsuisse Faculties in Zurich and Bern, the Faculty of Science (MNF) at UZH, and the University Hospital Zurich (USZ) joined inspiring discussions on interspecies approaches, methodological harmonisation, translational applications and future collaborative strategies.
🗨The symposium was opened with a keynote lecture by our Verena Meyer Visiting Professor, Karin Allenspach, from the University of Georgia. The programme continued with 12 short research presentations from various research groups.
We were particularly pleased to welcome colleagues from the Office of Animal Welfare and 3R, as well as representatives actively engaged in 3R-focused research and innovation.
📝The afternoon workshop focused on identifying shared priorities, fostering new collaborations and discussing realistic next steps toward a coordinated organoid initiative.
The symposium further resulted in concrete plans toward establishing a collaborative platform to strengthen interdisciplinary exchange, harmonisation efforts and future joint initiatives in organoid research.
A sincere thank you to all speakers, participants and helpers for the highly stimulating exchanges and the open, collaborative atmosphere throughout the day.
We would also like to gratefully acknowledge the support of the Swiss 3R Competence Centre (Swiss 3RCC), whose sponsorship contributed to making this event possible.
