1st SESMOOC Conference

24-25 November 2025, Zaragoza

Spanish Society for Microphysiological Systems and Organ-on-Chip

About

After the growing momentum of Organ-on-Chip initiatives worldwide, we are pleased to announce the first SESMOOC Conference, to be held in Spain. This new scientific meeting is devoted to recent advances in microphysiological systems (MPS) and Organ-on-Chip technologies, and their potential impact in biomedicine, drug development, toxicology, and personalized health.

Organ-on-Chip technology is emerging as one of the most promising tools to model human physiology and disease in vitro. By integrating microfluidics, biomaterials, and human cells, these systems can provide more predictive, ethical, and cost-effective alternatives to traditional preclinical models. In recent years, major advances have been made in the design and validation of microphysiological platforms, offering new opportunities for translational research, regulatory science, and industrial application.

Aims & Topics

The 1st SESMOOC Conference aims to provide a meeting point for researchers, clinicians, industry representatives, and policymakers to share knowledge, foster collaboration, and promote the development of this multidisciplinary field in Spain and beyond.

Workshop: Introduction to Organ-on-a-Chip (OoC) Technology

This interactive workshop offers participants a hands-on introduction to Organ-on-a-Chip (OoC) technology. Due to limited seats, early registration is recommended.

The event will focus on the following topics

  • Organ-on-Chip and Microphysiological Systems (MPS)
  • Blood–brain barrier, gut, lung, liver, and multi-organ platforms
  • Microfluidic design and biomaterials for advanced cell culture
  • Validation strategies and regulatory perspectives
  • Alternatives to animal experimentation
  • Data integration and intelligent systems for predictive models
  • Translational and industrial applications
  • Networking opportunities for researchers, clinicians, and industry

Featured Talks & Speakers

Title: Mechanical control in organs-on-chip models
Abstract: Physical forces are now recognized as key regulators of tissue development and homeostasis, complementing biochemical cues. Organ-on-Chip (OoC) platforms provide a unique opportunity to integrate these mechanical stimuli into pathophysiologically relevant human models. Building on microfluidics, biomaterials, and cell biology, OoCs enable investigation of how mechanical cues shape cellular function in health and disease. Our group pioneered the uBeat® technology, introducing cyclic uniaxial stretch to 3D cardiac microconstructs, which proved essential for maturation. We subsequently adapted the platform to cartilage, reproducing osteoarthritis features under confined compression, and more recently to the gut, integrating peristaltic motion to capture microbiome–host interactions. These studies highlight how mechanical control enhances OoC fidelity, offering new insights into development, regenerative medicine, and disease pathogenesis.

Nov. 24 — 17:30 PM

Dries Braeken

R&D manager and Group Leader at IMEC

Nov. 24 — 10:30 AM

Marco Rasponi

Full Professor Politecnico di Milano

Title: Nanotechnology enabling advanced human models

Abstract: Microphysiological systems (MPS) offer alternatives to animal models to model human function and disease, yet their impact is still limited today by the lack of real-time, functional readouts. This talk presents how integrating sensors—for barrier integrity, metabolism, electrophysiology, and biochemical signaling—can transform MPS from static testbeds into dynamic, intelligent systems. By enabling continuous monitoring and high-content data collection, sensors can improve reproducibility, reveal transient biological events, and support AI-driven insights. In this talk, I’ll discuss how imec leverages its unique infrastructure and experience in nanotechnology for building better MPS systems, for example for blood–brain barrier modeling. I will highlight current barriers to sensor integration, and propose a path forward for more predictive, interpretable human in vitro models.

Venue & Accommodation

Venue

The congress will take place at Campus Río Ebro, a modern and well-equipped campus in Zaragoza. The venue is easily accessible by Zaragoza’s efficient tram network, making it convenient for participants coming from different parts of the city.

Campus Río Ebro, Augustin de Betancourt Building,  María de Luna Street, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain

Accomodation

A curated list of hotels has been provided to suit different preferences and budgets. While these hotels are not necessarily next to the campus, they are all well connected by public transport, including the tram, ensuring easy access to the congress venue.

For detailed information, booking links, and special congress rates, please visit our [Accommodation Page].

We look forward to welcoming you to Zaragoza and ensuring a pleasant and convenient stay during the congress.

Pricing &  Registration

Registration for the conference includes a one-year membership

MEMBERS

NO MEMBERS

Organization

Co-chairmen

Ignacio Ochoa –Chair of SESMOoC, Universidad de Zaragoza

Scientific Committee

I.Ochoa Garrido

Sara Olivan García

Rosa Monge Prieto

Lourdes Basabe Desmonts

J.L. Pedraz Muñoz

Carmen Escobedo Lucea

Andrés Gracia Sanz

J.M. Fdez. Costa

J.Ramón Azcón

Rosa Villa Sanz

José Yeste Lozano

M.T. Flores Arias

Diego Velasco Bayón

Isabel Rodríguez Fernández

Carlos Ortiz Solorzano

Iván Cortés Domínguez

Speakers and attendees

The program will feature invited talks by experts from both industry and academia, focusing on the state-of-the-art as well as emerging needs and opportunities. Dedicated time slots will be set aside for discussions, and spontaneous submissions for presentations or posters are also welcome.

Our Sponsors

Become a sponsor and join us in making this event possible — contact us  – conference@sesmooc.com