EUROoCS Annual Meeting 2026: A Magnifying Glass on Organ-on-Chip Science

Organ-on-Chip devices and microphysiological systems are a promising technology driving breakthroughs in drug development, disease modelling and the replacement of animal models. The European Organ-on-Chip Society (EUROoCS) Annual Meeting provides a hub for taking stock of the latest advances in this fascinating field, and this year was no exception. Held at Forum Braga from 22 to 24 June, the event was organised by the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), with Ana Ribeiro serving as conference chair and the organising committee drawing on an impressive line-up of experts from INL, I3S, INESC-MN, the University of Minho, and the University of Aveiro.

Over three days, 580 attendees gathered to explore a wide range of topics, including disease and multi-organ models, organ-on-chip technologies, PK/PD modelling, biofabrication and biomaterials, and standardisation and toxicity, among others. The agenda was designed to maximise cross-fertilisation of knowledge, featuring 120 speakers, four roundtable discussions and 330 posters.

Day 1: Setting the Stage

Proceedings opened with the EUROoCS Academy and a series of parallel sessions, bringing participants up to speed on New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), organ-on-chip development processes and more, ahead of the official conference launch. Welcoming guests, Ana Ribeiro highlighted the field’s rapid evolution and the meeting’s role in driving that progress forward. Her inspiring words then set the tone for the day’s keynote, delivered by Prof. João Mano of CICECO, who explored “Bioengineering Organotypic 3D In Vitro Disease Models.” As evening fell, the conversation moved to INL for a welcome reception, where scientific discussion continued over food and drinks.

Day 2: Precision and Dialogue

Discussions reached their fullest the following day. Prof. Adrian Roth of Roche opened with “Human Tissue Models in Support of Clinical Precision,” while Prof. Magdalena Kasendra of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Centre delivered critical insights into “CuSTOMizing Human Liver Organoids: Toward Predictive Models of Patient-Specific Drug Responses.” Around these talks, four roundtables turned individual presentations into dialogue, tackling innovation, the field’s outstanding challenges, career pathways, and the standardisation of organ-on-chip research. By nightfall, the science gave way to celebration at Bo Zen Open Air, in Bom Jesus, where guests connected under São João fireworks.

Day 3: Reflection and Recognition

The final day opened with reflection, as EUROoCS members met in the morning to review the year’s milestones. Prof. Yoon-Kyoung Cho of UNIST then spoke on “Engineering the Tumour Microenvironment: Unravelling Cancer-Vascular Crosstalk in Metastasis and Drug Resistance,” before the spotlight turned homeward with a dedicated session showcasing national Organ-on-Chip initiatives. The event closed with a prize ceremony honouring 21 awardees for their poster and oral presentations.

With 30 countries represented and the iconic São João festivities as a backdrop, this year’s edition was truly one of a kind. For INL, it was an honour to converge leading experts from academia, clinical research, industry, regulatory agencies and policymaking at the epicentre of organ-on-chip innovation.