#EBW24 previews: State-of-the-art speakers for ‘Modelling and regenerative Medicine – Artificial Cellular Models’

We are delighted to confirm the State-of-the-art speakers for the panel session: ‘Modelling and regenerative Medicine – Artificial Cellular Models’. Assoc. Prof. Jan Bouchal from the Department of Clinical and Molecular Pathology in Olomouc, Czechia and Prof. Karine Sargsyan from the Cedars-Sinai MedicalCenter in Beverly Hills, California, US will be leading this session and we profile their biographies here. The session takes place on Thursday 16 May 2024 as part of the EBW24 programme.

Assoc. Prof. Jan Bouchal

Jan Bouchal is a chair of the Department of Clinical and Molecular Pathology in Olomouc, Czechia. The department is affiliated with both Palacký University and University Hospital Olomouc. Jan has a molecular biology and genetics degree from Masaryk University in Brno. His primary research focus is prostate and breast cancer. He has a long-term collaboration with the group of prof. Zoran Culig, Division of Experimental Urology, Innsbruck Medical University. Other collaborating labs are led by Prof. Bártek at the Danish Cancer Institute and by Prof. Murray at the University of Birmingham in the UK. Jan is actively involved in tissue biobanking for multiple joint projects both at national and international levels.

Professor Karine Sargsyan

Prof. h.c. Karine Sargsyan, MD, is an Armenian-Austrian leading expert and lecturer in the field of biobanking. She is a skilled interdisciplinary researcher with expertise in research policy, international research, clinical research, and digitalisation in medicine. Currently, she resides in Los Angeles, California. She is the Scientific Director of Oncobiobank at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Beverly Hills, California, US, the Managing Director for International Biobanking and Education at the Medical University of Graz and Vice Scientific Leader and Lecturer of the course MSc Biobanking at the Medical University of Graz. With numerous publications, awards, and engagements as a keynote speaker, Karine Sargsyan is dedicated to advancing research and education in medicine. Due to her professional experience, she is a highly appreciated member of several scientific organisations such as ISBER (International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories) and ESBB (European, Middle Eastern & African Society for Biopreservation and Biobanking).

Abstract: Biobanks as the Cornerstone of Future Medicine

Biobanks stand at the forefront of shaping the future of medicine, acting as crucial repositories for biological specimens and data. This presentation examines their pivotal significance within the realm of regenerative medicine and artificial cellular models. Biobanks play a vital role in providing researchers with a diverse array of high-quality biological samples essential for developing advanced cellular models, enabling disease modeling, drug discovery, and personalised medicine endeavors. Through rigorous curation and adherence to ethical standards, biobanks ensure the integrity and reliability of stored specimens, empowering researchers to glean insights into complex diseases and therapeutic strategies. We explore the integration of biobank resources with cutting-edge technologies like organoids and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), driving innovation in disease modeling and drug screening. Leveraging the wealth of biological information housed within biobanks, we propel progress toward transformative advancements in regenerative medicine and personalised healthcare, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.