28/06/2024
The 17th of June, 2024, marked the opening of one of the most significant scientific events in the world in 2024. The 13th ISABS Conference on Applied Genetics and Mayo Clinic Lectures in Translational Medicine aimed to gather the top scientists from the most prominent fields of modern medicine, forensics, and anthropology. These included genomic medicine, regenerative medicine and stem cell research, artificial intelligence and its integration into clinical practice, immunotherapy, and more. This included over 40 distinguished invited speakers from all around the globe who are current pioneers in scientific translational research in their respective fields. We were especially honored to host the lectures of three Nobel Prize winners - Sir Richard Roberts, Prof. Gregg Semenza, and Prof. Svante Paabo.
The conference was structured around a robust program, which included four full days of lectures, three Nobel lectures, four satellite symposia, two workshops, four book promotions, and exceptional social events such as the welcome reception and gala dinner. This allowed for maximum knowledge dissemination and networking opportunities to foster education and future scientific collaboration. We are especially proud of another successful iteration of our iconic Nobel Spirit televised show. Nobel Spirit involved a moderated discussion between our three Nobel Laureates and Professor Dragan Primorac, allowing them to share their stories and experiences on the path of excellence.
A crucial aspect of the conference is the promotion and betterment of ambitious students, as well as young physicians and researchers. For this reason, the best medical students from the four Croatian medical schools, with the support of the Croatian Medical Chamber, were selected and attended the conference, as well as many others from various fields. Furthermore, this year, we once again granted the opportunity to high school students and their mentors to apply their scientific essays to the Future Scientist Award (FSA) competition, and seven students were awarded for their exceptional work. In parallel, the Moses Schanfield Young Investigator Award (MSYIA) competition was open for young researchers to apply their original scientific work. Five applicants from five different countries were granted this prestigious award in recognition of their ambition and success. The awards winners were invited to the Nobel Spirit and took in the wise words of experts who were once in a similar position to their own - at the beginning of a path of greatness.
A cornerstone of the conference’s success was its extraordinary setting provided by the beautiful Croatian city of Split. The 5-star Radisson Blu Resort & Spa hosted the conference itself, which provided excellent halls and spaces for all of the ongoing events, a wide range of amenities, and a beautiful view of the Adriatic Sea. On the other hand, the gala dinner was held in the exceptional outdoor setting at Meštrović Gallery, which provided a rich cultural aspect to the event. All in all, the conference was certainly taken up a level by the jewels of the Adriatic Sea and the Croatian coast.
We want to highlight the crucial roles the organizing institutions - International Society for Applied Biological Sciences, Mayo Clinic, and St. Catherine Specialty Hospital played in bringing this event to its true potential. Additionally, we would like to thank the University of Split and the Croatian National Tourist Board for their instrumental support in realizing this conference. The Croatian National Tourist Board has brilliantly promoted Croatia globally as a prime destination for professional and tourist excursions. Year after year, Croatia is one of the most sensual tourist attractions due to its natural beauty and the Croatian National Tourist Board’s excellence in sharing it.
However, this year, they solidified Croatia as a tourist destination and a destination for gaining and sharing knowledge, research, and scientific excellence. It is a true honor to have had this magnitude of impact on the global scientific society, and we hope to do the same in two years’ time.
