Keynotes

Shaping the Future in Medtech and Micro Implants

Additive microfabrication of metallic thin films opens new horizons for the development of ultra-precise, biocompatible, and scalable implantable devices. In this keynote, Rodrigo Lima de Miranda presents ACQUANDAS’ unique additive manufacturing platform for shape memory and high-performance metal microstructures. The talk will highlight how this technology is enabling the next generation of smart implants and disruptive therapies in medtech and beyond – from concept to clinical integration. 

Dr.- Ing. Rodrigo Lima de Miranda
Founder and CEO
ACQUANDAS GmbH | Kiel, Germany | Website
 

Modeling human brain development and disease in a dish

The human brain is characterized by unique features that are not present in other species including animal models. The development of brain organoids derived from pluripotent stem cells over the last decade has revolutionized our understanding of human brain development at the molecular and cellular level. Simone Mayer is using brain organoids as a tool to model diverse neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders caused by genetic and environmental impacts. Specifically for the rare pediatric disorder pontocerebellar hypoplasia, Simone Mayer has recently established brain region-specific organoid models that recapitulate the pathology in the neocortex and cerebellum. Using this unique tool, she is now investigating disease mechanisms as well as developing therapeutic approaches. Additionally, the group is working on developing organoids as a model system further by enhancing analysis methods as well as through bioengineering approaches.

Prof. Dr. Simone Mayer
Head of group Systemic Cellular Neurobiology
Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT) | Karlsruhe, Germany | Website

Microelectrode Arrays for diagnostics

Dr. Moritz Mall
Group Leader
German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Hector Institute for Translational Brain Research | Heidelberg, Germany
Website