We are thrilled to return to Norfolk, Virginia, and the Hilton Hotel (The Main) for our 2025 scientific conference. This year’s Society for In Vitro Biology (SIVB) meeting kicks off on June 7 with a full Saturday pre-program featuring a PlantGENE panel discussion on the Fundamentals of Modular Cloning, applicable to all members, as well as a panel discussion on the Role of Regulations in the Development and Stewardship of Transgenic and Edited Plants and Animals. Additionally, two sessions will explore different aspects of media formulation. This marks the beginning of an outstanding scientific program organized by Zoe Zhu, the IVACS Program Chair and Carlos Hernandes Garcia the PB Program Chair.

Sunday opens with a dynamic plenary session that builds on Saturday’s discussion, focusing on risk assessment for genetically modified and edited organisms in plants and animals. The day continues with compelling sessions on gene editing, sustainable culture-based bioproduction, and many other cutting-edge topics.

Our 2025 Keynote Speaker, Dr. Eliza Lockwood, a leader in medicine, medical toxicology, and agriculture, will emphasize the critical role of innovation in our work and the importance of effective communication. Having witnessed firsthand the impact of scientific advancements on global health and welfare, Dr. Lockwood has been a passionate advocate for continued innovation. Her keynote will perfectly complement the Education Committee’s student workshop on communication.

On Monday, the plenary session AI Technological Applications in Design, Discovery, and In Vitro Implementation will highlight the growing role of artificial intelligence in in vitro biology and beyond. The plenary series concludes on Tuesday with Living on the Edge: Engineering and Preparing for Life in Shifting Environments on Earth and in Space, a session inspired by last year’s keynote speaker, Dr. Mark Settles.

Throughout the conference, we introduce new content from attendees, including an emphasis on Late-Breaking Oral Presentations and the return of last year’s popular “Lightning Talks” poster introductions. Students, postdocs, and young scientists will have multiple opportunities to present their research and engage fully in discussions, not only through these forums but also in competitive presentation formats, educational committee activities, and specialized workshops.

The In Vitro Animal and Cell Sciences (IVACS) Section of SIVB is excited to present sessions on groundbreaking research, covering topics such as Human Diseases and Immunity, Host-Pathogen Interactions, Innovations in Drug and Vaccine Development and Delivery, and Advanced Technological Applications in Academia and Industry. Lightning Talks and oral presentations will further enrich the exchange of ideas.

The Plant Biotechnology (PB) Section offers a diverse program reflecting its broad membership, with sessions covering molecular biology, gene editing, synthetic biology, genotype-independent regeneration, transformation, micropropagation, and media formulation.

This year’s program promises thought-provoking discussions, insightful questions, and valuable collaborations as we reconnect and focus on advancing science together. We gratefully thank all of the meeting conveners, committees, speakers, supporters, exhibitors and especially Innovation Essentials for making it all happen.

Respectfully submitted,