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WORD+ Events by WORC.Community

Community. Connections. Collaboration

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WORD+ Events is the brand name of WORC.Community Events

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Community. Connections. Collaboration


Did you know?...

Since our first event in 2022:


Welcomed over 100 Researcher speakers.

Donated circa £30,000 back into research.


Many WORD+ made connections 

now publish and partner together!


15th December 2026, AstraZeneca, UK

UK End of Year Celebration
We celebrate 2026 and look forward to 2027


Join Dr Rhiannon David and AstraZeneca speakers:


  • Dr Julien Fleurence, Associate Director Immune Oncology Safety
  • Dr Andrzej Nowojewski, Director of Machine Learning & AI 


With special guest talks by:

 

  • Professor Hazel Screen, QMUL
  • Dr Kathryn Bowles, UK Dementia Research Institute.
  • Dr Eleanor Murphy, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine.
  • Dr Jo Brown, Immunocore.

Early Career Researcher talks by Dr Alice Pollard. Beth Swallow.
Technologies in action with Nikon, LICOR-Bio, Labcorp, MO:RE.



More information & Tickets


2027 Events

 Flagship event- February!

WORD+2027 attendees

🧫 WORD+2027

23rd–26th February 2027
Community.
Connections. Collaboration.
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Book your place now →

23-26 February 2027, Cambridge, UK

WORD+2027

Global Innovation & Standardisation in Action

 

23rd: Training & Tools for bench scientists

Inc: Techniques, technologies, writing, analysis skills.


24th, 25th & 26th: Main WORD+ event

Innovation & standardisation in action 

from around the globe.



    Main page
    Early Bird Tickets!
    Sponsorship enquiries


    Meet the WORD+2027 Speakers

    Last few being announced soon!

    23rd–26th February 2027 • Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge

    Tickets and more! →
    Professor Hans Clevers
    Keynote & Lifetime Achievement Award

    Professor Hans Clevers

    Hubrecht Institute

    Pioneering organoid research transforming cancer research, drug testing and personalised medicine worldwide.

    Wed 24 Feb · 09:00–09:35Organoids of individual patients are like avatars: they predict which drug will work best for the patient from which they derive. Utrecht University.Utrecht University
    Wed 24 Feb · 09:35–10:15Discussion & Guest: Drug Discovery the way ahead.Speakers: Dr Rhiannon David · Dr Lisa Mohamet · Professor Hans Clevers
    Read Hans’ papers and take the quiz in the WORC-Flow Quest™ Library
    Profile ↗PubMed ↗LinkedIn ↗
    Professor Amir Ghaemmaghami
    WORD+2027 Speaker

    Professor Amir Ghaemmaghami

    Nottingham Trent University

    MIMIC: an interconnected multiorgan platform recreating the complex pathophysiology of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).

    Wed 24 Feb · 12:15–12:35An interconnected multiorgan platform to recreate the complex pathophysiology of the metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). University of Nottingham.Nottingham Trent University
    Read Amir’s papers and take the quiz in the WORC-Flow Quest™ Library
    Profile ↗PubMed ↗LinkedIn ↗
    Dr Lei Yuan
    WORD+2027 Speaker

    Dr Lei Yuan

    Max Planck Institute

    Complex organ models including liver, from the Meri Huch lab, known for long-term expandable liver and pancreas organoids.

    Wed 24 Feb · 12:35–12:55Human assembloids recapitulate periportal liver tissue in vitro. Max Planck Institute of Molecular Medicine, Cell Biology and Genetics.Max Planck Institute of Molecular Medicine, Cell Biology and Genetics
    Read Lei’s papers and take the quiz in the WORC-Flow Quest™ Library
    PubMed ↗LinkedIn ↗
    Dr Adam Fellows
    WORD+2027 Speaker

    Dr Adam Fellows

    Royal Veterinary College

    Engineered pulmonary artery tissues: lab-grown replicas of human blood vessels modelling artery behaviour and pulmonary hypertension.

    Wed 24 Feb · 14:15–14:35Lush Prize Winner. Engineered Pulmonary Artery Tissues. Lab-grown replicas of human blood vessels that can mimic how real arteries behave & pulmonary hypertension.Royal Veterinary College London.Royal Veterinary College London
    Read Adam’s papers and take the quiz in the WORC-Flow Quest™ Library
    PubMed ↗LinkedIn ↗
    Associate Professor Livia Santos
    WORD+2027 Speaker

    Associate Professor Livia Santos

    Nottingham Trent University

    Innovative muscle, heart tissue and bone models, including tissue-on-chip and organ-on-chip, to study regeneration, ageing and exercise.

    Wed 24 Feb · 14:35–14:55Micro-physiological models of muscle, heart and bone to better understand tissue regeneration, ageing and exercise University of Newcastle.Nottingham Trent University
    Read Livia’s papers and take the quiz in the WORC-Flow Quest™ Library
    PubMed ↗LinkedIn ↗
    Professor Marianna Kruithof-de Julio
    WORD+2027 Speaker

    Professor Marianna Kruithof-de Julio

    University of Bern / OnconiX AG

    Director of the Organoid Core and Head of the Urological Research Laboratory; CSO of OnconiX.

    Wed 24 Feb · 16:55–17:00Translational & Clinical Cancer Research Innovation.with Professor Giovanni Blandino
    Fri 26 Feb · 09:00–09:05Standardisation in action. Univeristy of Bern.University of Bern
    Fri 26 Feb · 12:25–13:25Discussion: What's possible, what's not? And The way ahead.Panel
    Read Marianna’s papers and take the quiz in the WORC-Flow Quest™ Library
    PubMed ↗LinkedIn ↗
    Professor Roisin Owens
    WORD+2027 Speaker

    Professor Roisin Owens

    Cambridge University

    Human intestinal organoid models and functional profiling.

    Wed 24 Feb · 17:40–18:00Transcriptomic and functional profiling of human intestinal organoids identifies enhanced calcium signalling and thrombospondin-2 activity in cystic fibrosis. Cambridge University.Cambridge University
    Read Roisin’s papers and take the quiz in the WORC-Flow Quest™ Library
    Professor Thomas Hartung
    Speaker & Chair

    Professor Thomas Hartung

    Johns Hopkins University / CAAT

    Neural connection from culture, integrated methods and the emergence of organoid and bio intelligence, including computational tools and AI.

    Thu 25 Feb · 08:35–08:55New approach methodologies in neurotherapeutics development. CAAT, Johns Hopkins.CAAT, Johns Hopkins
    Fri 26 Feb · 12:25–13:25Discussion: What's possible, what's not? And The way ahead.Panel
    Read Thomas’ papers and take the quiz in the WORC-Flow Quest™ Library
    Profile ↗PubMed ↗LinkedIn ↗
    Professor Alex (Alejandro) Frangi
    WORD+2027 Speaker

    Professor Alex (Alejandro) Frangi

    University of Manchester

    Medical image analysis and modelling with emphasis on machine learning, computational physiology and in-silico clinical trials.

    Thu 25 Feb · 09:35–09:55Medical image analysis & modelling with an emphasis on machine learning and computational physiology. In silico clinical trials. The University of Manchester.The University of Manchester
    Read Alex’s papers and take the quiz in the WORC-Flow Quest™ Library
    Profile ↗PubMed ↗LinkedIn ↗
    Associate Professor Antonella Dost
    WORD+2027 Speaker

    Associate Professor Antonella Dost

    University of Copenhagen / reNEW

    Lung regeneration and disease, using advanced human lung organoid models to uncover underlying mechanisms.

    Thu 25 Feb · 11:35–11:55Interferon-γ selectively promotes survival of alveolar progenitor cells in a human lung organoid model. University of Copenhagen.Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine
    Read Antonella’s papers and take the quiz in the WORC-Flow Quest™ Library
    Profile ↗PubMed ↗LinkedIn ↗
    Dr Bianca Menzani
    WORD+2027 Speaker

    Dr Bianca Menzani

    Université Grenoble Alpes / CEA / INSERM

    Human blood-vessel organoid assembloids and vascularised organoids-on-chip for studying systemic drug delivery.

    Thu 25 Feb · 11:55–12:15Human assembloids of human blood vessel organoids and vascularized organoids-on-chip for assessing systemic drug delivery. University Grenoble Alpes, CEA, Inserm.University Grenoble Alpes, CEA, Inserm
    Read Bianca’s papers and take the quiz in the WORC-Flow Quest™ Library
    PubMed ↗LinkedIn ↗
    Professor Dasja Pajkrt
    WORD+2027 Speaker

    Professor Dasja Pajkrt

    UMC Amsterdam / OrganoVir

    Leads OrganoVIR Labs, bringing clinicians, virologists and tissue engineers together to develop animal-free virus models including organoids and organ-on-chip.

    Thu 25 Feb · 12:35–12:55Non-Polio Enterovirus A71 and D68 Infection of Human Neuromuscular Organoids Reveals Distinct Mechanisms of Neuromuscular Impairment. UMC Amsterdam & OrganoVir.UMC Amsterdam & OrganoVir
    Read Dasja’s papers and take the quiz in the WORC-Flow Quest™ Library
    Profile ↗PubMed ↗LinkedIn ↗
    Professor Krzysztof Pyrć
    WORD+2027 Speaker

    Professor Krzysztof Pyrć

    Jagiellonian University

    Virogenetics, 3D human tissue models and organ-on-chip for infection mechanisms and development of new therapeutic strategies.

    Thu 25 Feb · 12:55–13:15Virogenetics, 3D human tissue models, Organ-on-a-chips for mechanisms of infection and the development of new therapeutic strategies. Jagiellonian University.Jagiellonian University
    Read Krzysztof’s papers and take the quiz in the WORC-Flow Quest™ Library
    PubMed ↗LinkedIn ↗
    Professor Peter Loskill
    Speaker & Chair

    Professor Peter Loskill

    University of Tübingen / 3R-Center Tübingen

    Successfully engineering multiple organ-on-a-chip platforms and a leader in 3Rs research.

    Thu 25 Feb · 14:50–15:15Adipose tissue-on-Chip platforms for disease modelling, drug discovery and pharmacokinetic modelling. University of Tubingen.University of Tübingen
    Fri 26 Feb · 12:05–12:25Tubingen 3Rs initiatives. Tubingen 3Rs.Tübingen 3Rs
    Fri 26 Feb · 12:25–13:25Discussion: What's possible, what's not? And The way ahead.Panel
    Read Peter’s papers and take the quiz in the WORC-Flow Quest™ Library
    PubMed ↗LinkedIn ↗
    Professor Maurice Whelan
    WORD+2027 Speaker

    Professor Maurice Whelan

    European Commission Joint Research Centre

    EU roadmap challenges and implementation of human-relevant approaches.

    Fri 26 Feb · 10:20–10:50EU roadmap challenges and implementation of human-relevant approaches. European Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC).European Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC)
    Fri 26 Feb · 12:25–13:25Discussion: What's possible, what's not? And The way ahead.Panel
    Read Maurice’s papers and take the quiz in the WORC-Flow Quest™ Library
    Profile ↗PubMed ↗LinkedIn ↗

     Oncology focus- April

    15th & 16th April 2027, Rome


    Translational & Clinical
    Cancer Research Innovation

    Chaired by Prof. Giovanni Blandino.
    Scientific Director, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome

    & Prof. Marianna Kruithof-de Julio.
    Director Organoid Core & Head of The Urological Research laboratory. University Of Bern. CSO OnconiX.



      Tickets and Agenda soon


      With kind permission background image: Cartilage spheroids using Qkine animal origin-free TGF-β1 (Qk010). Image by Oliver Gardiner, Valerina Davydenko, UCL. 
      WORD+ attendees shown: Sasha Berdichevski, Sciber limited, ,  Jo Bird, Revvity, Aljona Kolmogorova, The Babraham Institute



      'WORD+ are simply the best 

      Organoid and Chip events 

      that I have ever been too! 


      So inclusive and welcoming, a real community feel. It's the only place where amazing, innovative science, research and technologies come together so seamlessly. Both the talks and posters gave so much food for thought. I left  motivated and inspired with so many ideas for my own research and glad I could share my own too. 

      Two wonderful and inspiring days, with friends old and new!

      Can't wait until the next one!' 


      Contact us

      Just some of the kind WORDS from WORD+2026!

      WORD+2026 IMPSS Key Note Speaker 

      Assistant Professor Lena Smirnova.

      'Excellent event and I had an excellent time!'

      Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, USA.

      WORD+2026 Session Chair and Speaker: Dr Rhiannon David. 

      'WORD+2026 was an energising showcase of cutting edge organoid and organ-on-a-chip science from across the globe. I had the pleasure of co-hosting a panel discussion with Luc van der Laan on the adoption and acceptance of #NAMs (New Approach Methodologies).  A fantastic few days and to everyone who joined and contributed. Looking forward to the next one already!' AstraZeneca, UK

      WORD+2026 EUROoCs Session chair and speaker: Dr Pelin Candarlioglu  Deacon

      'I echo everyone’s sentiments about the wonderful, friendly atmosphere that defines WORD conferences. 

      You did a fantastic job as always, and it was a pleasure to be part of it!' 

      EUROoCS Chair of Industry Advisory Board & Founder and Director 3D and 3RS.

      WORD+2026 Scandinavian Showcase Chair and Speaker: Professor Steven Ray Wilson. 

      'Thank you so much for a wonderful event, with such excellence science and friendly atmosphere! 

      Looking forward to seeing you again'. 
      University of Oslo.

      WORD+2026 Showcase Speaker. Dr Helena Rannikmae

      'Thank you so much for another wonderful conference – it is truly one that feels most connected out of many other conferences. Thank you again for the opportunity to present GSK’s work'.

      Complex In Vitro Models, GSK. UK

      WORD+2026 Showcase Speaker. Dr. Benjamin P. Sharpe  

      'It was an absolute pleasure to be invited and I'm really glad I could connect with researchers involved in tackling so many issues in medicine, from across the world. The friendliness and weIcome was second-to-none and I hope I see many of you back here next year to catch up!' Southampton University. U.K

      WORD+2026 Germany Showcase Speaker: Jun Professor Hannes Beyer. 

      'Thank you again for the wonderful meeting. I really enjoyed it'.

      University of Düsseldorf. Germany.


      WORD+2026 Germany Showcase Speaker: Dr Julia Hesse.

      'Thank you again for this wonderful and inspiring meeting'.

      University of Düsseldorf. Germany.

      WORD+2026 Sponsor and Exhibitor. Dr Jonathan Sheard

      'WORD+2026  has provided a powerful platform for a community of researchers to see the true value of their work and the impact it is having on the area of Organoids, Organ-on-a-Chip, and NAMs Research. It has enabled them to present their work, receive fast feedback, including encouragement and criticism from peers in the field, ultimately showing the value and impact of what they are doing. This conference has also brought together a whole range of fantastic technology and service providers, who were able to present and discuss their latest products, equipment and technical expertise, facilitating the community of researchers to achieve their goals. I think we all agree that it was a very successful event and we look forward to joining again next year!' Centre for Human Specific Research, UK.

      WORD+2026 Showcase Speaker: Dr Adriana Buskin. 

      'Thank you for the opportunity to present our research!  It was a pleasure and great to meet you in person'.

      Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer. U.K

      WORD+2026 Showcase Speaker: Dr Liisa Vilén

      'It was a privilege to be part of the Scandinavia Showcase session at the WORD+ World Organoid & Organ-on-a-Chip meeting and share insights into our CVRM in vitro models at AstraZeneca. A big thank you to Miles Rackliff for organizing such an outstanding meeting and creating a great platform for collaboration'. AstraZeneca, Sweden.

      'WORD+26 has been incredible—an inspiring platform filled with innovative ideas, impactful discussions and insights driving the future of exploratory toxicology in 2026'. 

      2026 IMPSS Showcase Chair and Speaker: Dr Magdalena Kasendra

      'One of the best parts of meetings like this? Reconnecting with friends, meeting new collaborators, and exchanging ideas that push our field forward. It was an absolute pleasure - and great fun -to be part of it. Thank you so much for the invitation and for pulling together such a fantastic meeting. The energy, openness, and science really did make it special'.

      Center for Stem Cell and Organoid Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. USA

      2026 Sponsor and Attendee: Dr Miriam Foster.

      'I’m really looking forward to being back at WORD+ and connecting with customers. Events like this are such a powerful space for collaboration. I’m keen to hear how everyone is using advanced models in real projects, as well as the latest in NAM research!' Sartorius, Germany.

      WORD+2026 Italy Showcase Speaker: Professor Giovanni Tonon.  

      'Many many thanks for the impeccable organisation and the sheer pleasure of meeting so many wonderful people and scientists. All the best!'

      San Raffaele Scientific Institute in Milan, Italy 

      2026 Netherlands Showcase Speaker: Dr Petra de Graaf 

      'It was amazing! It is great to be part of this community. I am still buzzing!'

      UMC Utrecht. Netherlands.

      2026 UK Showcase Speaker: Dr. Pablo F. Céspedes. 

      Thank you so much for organising such a fantastic meeting. I second all the comments — and I can’t wait for the 2027 edition! As a newcomer to the field, it was a unique opportunity to be exposed to many truly inspiring presentations and to get a sense of what feels most urgent and where the field is heading. It was also a great chance to meet potential future collaborators and to start thinking about possible joint grant opportunities. University of Oxford. U.K

       

      WORD+2026 Showcase Speaker and 2025 Award Winner: Dr Mhairi Morris. 

      As ever, it has been an absolute JOY. Coming home from WORD+ 2026, I am feeling equal parts inspired, grateful and slightly hoarse from all the laughing! This week had everything. Reconnecting with collaborators and being invited into new networks and webinars that feel genuinely exciting!' Loughborough University. U.K

      2026 France Showcase Speaker: Dr. Louis-Bastien Weiswald. 

      'Many thanks to you for the warm welcome and for the outstanding organization of this conference. It was truly a great meeting, stimulating science and open discussions'.  

      Comprehensive Cancer Center François Baclesse, France

       

      2026 Attendee: Stella Priyanka

      'It's been fantastic attending WORD+ 2026 conference in Cambridge. Truly insightful talks and excellent posters showcasing advanced technologies in the organoid space. It was a great opportunity to learn from the best and connecting people in this community'. Elasmogen, UK.

      FREE JOIN WORC.COMMUNITY. The Only Social network for organoid, organ-on-a-chip, & NAM researchers/societies.
      FIND OUT MORE ABOUT US HERE