From 9 to 13 June 2025, the Microphysiological Systems (MPS) World Summit will take place at Tour & Taxis in Brussels. This international conference will focus on innovative technologies that can replace animal testing in medical and pharmaceutical research. The summit is chaired by Professor Mathieu Vinken of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), a leading expert in the field.
Microphysiological systems (MPS), also known as organ-on-a-chip technology, mimic human organs on a microscale. This technology enables scientists to study diseases and test medicines directly on human cells—without the use of laboratory animals. Not only does this offer ethical advantages, but it can also provide more reliable results than traditional animal testing, as human models often better predict how the body will respond.
The field is evolving rapidly, attracting growing interest from researchers, businesses, and regulatory bodies worldwide. The MPS World Summit serves as a key platform for sharing the latest developments and advancing the application of these cutting-edge technologies.
The event will bring together more than 1,000 scientists, doctors, and industry and regulatory representatives. In addition to Professor Vinken, other Belgian researchers are actively involved, including Professor Liesbet Geris (Université de Liège & KU Leuven) and Dr Birgit Mertens (Sciensano). Their contributions highlight Belgium's strong position in this area of research.
For the full programme and registration details, visit the official website: mpsworldsummit.org.