Feb 17–19, 2026 | Asilomar Hotel and Conference Grounds, Pacific Grove, CA, United States
Scientific Organizers:
Jun Wu, Jianping Fu and Miki Ebisuya
Feb 17–19, 2026 | Asilomar Hotel and Conference Grounds, Pacific Grove, CA, United States
Scientific Organizers:
Jun Wu, Jianping Fu and Miki Ebisuya
Important Deadlines
Meeting Summary
Stem-cell-based embryo models (SCBEMs) are structures formed by culturing pluripotent stem cells in either two-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional (3D) environments, using mechanical and chemical cues to guide their lineage differentiation, self-organization and morphogenesis. Given that SCBEMs can mimic different aspects of early embryonic development, they are invaluable tools for advancing our understanding of early development and enhancing disease modeling, drug screening, and regenerative and reproductive medicine. The field of SCBEMs is rapidly evolving, with new models of increasing complexity and fidelity being reported continuously. Recent advances in deriving bona fide human extraembryonic stem cells and developing in vitro implantation models with endometrial cells have facilitated the development of more advanced SCBEMs that incorporate embryonic, extraembryonic, and/or maternal components. Continuous innovation, especially the integration of bioengineering, synthetic biology tools, and cell-instructive biomaterial systems, is crucial for precisely modulating dynamic niche signals for SCBEMs. These new developments will enable the creation of more accurate SCBEMs that properly exhibit progressive development and even organogenesis processes, with enhanced efficiency and controllability. Furthermore, the applications of SCBEMs for understanding human development are beginning to be explored. The purpose of this meeting is to present the latest advancements in SCBEMs, highlight innovative bioengineering and synthetic biology tools that enhance these models, and discuss how SCBEMs can be utilized to gain insights into early human development. We expect this meeting to broaden the SCBEM community and foster interdisciplinary collaborations. Additionally, we aim to use this meeting to emphasize the significance of SCBEMs in uncovering new insights into early development and their potential for translational applications. This meeting stands out as it comprehensively covers all major aspects of the emerging field of embryo modeling using stem cells, which has significant implications for both basic research and translational applications. It brings together interdisciplinary groups of scientists and investigators who typically do not have the opportunity to interact. As the field is still in its early stages, this meeting will play a crucial role in consolidating the field and advancing it further.
Unique Career Development Opportunities
This meeting will feature a Career Roundtable where trainees and early-career investigators will have the opportunity to interact with field leaders from across academic and industry sectors for essential career development advice and networking opportunities. Find out more about Career Roundtables here: https://www.keystonesymposia.org/diversity/career-development-initiatives
SPECIAL RECOGNITION:
KEYSTONE SYMPOSIA THANKS OUR SPONSOR(S) FOR GENEROUSLY SUPPORTING THIS MEETING:
KEYSTONE SYMPOSIA THANKS OUR MEETING EXHIBITOR(S):
KEYSTONE SYMPOSIA THANKS THESE DONOR(S) FOR GENEROUSLY SUPPORTING THIS MEETING:
THESE COMPANIES HAVE GENEROUSLY AGREED TO COVER THE EXPENSES OF THEIR EMPLOYEES WHO ARE SPEAKING AT THIS MEETING:
GRANT RECOGNITION:
KEYSTONE SYMPOSIA THANKS OUR GIFT-IN-KIND MEDIA SPONSORS
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