The Phenomics Australia In Vitro node, the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI) Organoid Program proudly hosted the fifth edition of the “Emerging Technologies in Organoid Research” Symposium, a one-day event dedicated to advancing methods and technologies that are shaping the future of organoid science.
This year’s symposium attracted 285 online registrations and 250 attendees on the day, reflecting the growing national interest in organoid research and its transformative potential.
For the second consecutive year, the symposium was organised back-to-back with the Functional High Throughput Technologies Australia (FTTHA) Organoid Nexus, in partnership with Phenomics Australia, creating a unique platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration across complementary events. This strategic alignment strengthens connections within the organoid research community and amplifies the impact of both meetings.
The scientific program featured four themed sessions of oral presentations, covering a broad spectrum of methods and applications. Talks explored organoid models for immunity and infectious diseases, showcased innovative research from early- and mid-career researchers, highlighted breakthroughs in brain organoid models, and examined bioengineering strategies for the next generation of 3D models. This year, the symposium received over 20 abstract submissions, from which three were selected for oral presentations and ten for poster presentations. The poster session added a vibrant dimension to the event, fostering interactive discussions and new collaborations among participants.
The audience continues to grow in both number and reach, with increasing participation from interstate researchers across Western Australia, South Australia, New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, and Queensland. To support this national engagement, the organisers were delighted to offer travel grants, generously supported by the Animal-free Science Advocacy (AFSA). AFSA also sponsored two poster prizes, recognising outstanding contributions during the poster session and reinforcing the symposium’s commitment to supporting excellence in organoid research.
Complementing the scientific program were three technology showcase presentations from suppliers and a bustling exhibition space featuring 11 sponsors across eight booths, including co-shared setups that encouraged networking and collaboration. The organisers extend their sincere thanks to these sponsors for their continued support, which enables them to keep this symposium free and accessible to all.
The diversity of attendees reflects the symposium’s role as a hub for skills development and innovation. This year’s audience included clinicians (1%), industry representatives (18%), lab heads (7%), postdoctoral researchers (28.5%), PhD candidates (28.5%), research assistants (8%), and students (9%). Notably, 66% of attendees were ECRs, underscoring the event’s importance in fostering the next generation of organoid researchers. Attendance patterns also highlight both growth and loyalty: 53% were first-time participants, while 6% have attended every edition since the inaugural event.
Early feedback from the post-event survey, which remains open, has been overwhelmingly positive: 100% of respondents so far reported gaining valuable knowledge and expressed their intention to attend the next edition. This strong endorsement reflects the symposium’s continued relevance and impact.
By bringing together researchers, industry partners, and technology providers, the Emerging Technologies in Organoid Research Symposium continues to serve as a national platform for methods-focused knowledge exchange, driving innovation in organoid applications for disease modelling, drug discovery, and translational research.
We look forward to building on this success and welcoming the community to future editions as we collectively push the boundaries of organoid science. See you in November 2026 for the 6th edition!
