Looking back at #NGPAD22
Intro
Since 2013, our institute, VIB, has set up a series of "Tools and Technologies" meetings focused on fast-moving life sciences technology fields. Those meetings focus on the front end of innovation and bring together key innovators in selected life sciences research fields.
With the first three editions (organized in 2015, 2017 & 2019) as a foundation, this 4th edition showcased the latest research developments from renowned academic presenters, combined with disruptive technology platforms from industry.
Feedback by the conference reporters
Jade Hawksworth - Postdoctoral Scientist (VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology)
The event was opened by Kris Gevaert (VIB UGent Centre for Medical Biotechnology), followed by an introduction to the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) by Cecilia Lindskog Bergström (Uppsala University). Posters were followed by two parallel sessions on (i) single-cell and spatial proteomics, and (ii) computational proteomics. The computational proteomics session was particularly relevant to me, as we work with large and complex datasets. I very much enjoyed the talk by Alessandro Ori (Leibniz Institute on Aging) on brain-derived lysosomes.
The parallel sessions on day 2 were (i) single-molecule peptide analysis and (ii) biophysical characterisation. The event was topped off with two fantastic talks from Bernd Bodenmiller (University of Zurich) and Albert Heck (Utrecht University). Bernd Bodenmiller presented some exciting work on personalised medicine for cancer patients. He focused on informing clinicians on the best treatment for patients who did not respond to previous therapies. Lastly, Albert Heck discussed the characterisation of antibody repertoires with LC-MS/MS, and how this characterisation could aid in the study of several disorders.
NGPAD22 was a showcase of many new technologies, especially on spatial, single-cell and computational proteomics. A combination of academic and corporate partners kept the focus on collaboration and novel instruments and technologies. I most enjoyed the session on clinical proteomics. As a neuroscientist I would love to see more neuroscience/neurology themed talks but the themes were very well suited for the general audience.
It was exciting to see so many colleagues again post multiple COVID-19 lockdowns. Face-to-face conferences inspire collaboration and conversation in a way which could not be recreated online. NGPAD22 was an enjoyable event, and I look forward to the next edition in two years.
Quote by Kathleen Mitchelson - Ph.D. Student (UCD School of Medicine, IE)
I thoroughly enjoyed the meeting. I learned so much about different methods of protein analysis and am looking forward to putting it to use in my future research.
Quote by Adillah Gul - Ph.D. Student (VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, BE)
Apart from all the talks and poster presentations, I got to know many people. It was a great feeling after the pandemic and it was indeed a source of recreation. I found it a good opportunity to network with diversified people around the world.
(Speaker picture - right)
