To listen to this article, please click play.

Dr. Piero Barone

In your personal journey, the right directions often lead to the most meaningful answers

This report begins by referencing an insightful article by Barbara Doonan in the latest issue of the In Vitro Report. If you haven’t had the chance to read it yet, I highly recommend doing so. In the article, Barbara highlights a fundamental gap in awareness: many people, including some in the scientific community, lack a clear understanding of what in vitro research truly entails, how it aligns with applied research goals, and the breadth of its impact and applications.

She points out that in vitro technologies represent a crucial step in research across numerous fields, including drug discovery, plant biotechnology, cancer research, toxicology studies, and regenerative medicine, among others. She also urges us to remind our fellow scientists, and to communicate clearly to the broader, nonscientific community, how vital in vitro methods truly are.

When I first read Barbara’s article, one particular sentence struck me: “In vitro is the beginning: it provides critical first answers and offers directions”. This sentence continued to resonate with me, and after some reflection, I realized why. Since joining the Society for In Vitro Biology, I’ve often referred to it as the “In Vitro” Society and that phrase reminded me of how, from the very beginning, the organization has offered me invaluable answers and direction in both technical knowledge and personal development. It has served as a compass throughout my career, helping me navigate the complexities of scientific research and fostering my growth as a researcher and professional.

In particular, the annual meetings have provided me with access to the latest technologies and breakthroughs, allowed me to connect with leading experts, facilitated collaboration with peers, and nurtured significant personal relationships. As our upcoming 2025 In Vitro Biology (#SIVB2025) meeting in Norfolk, Virginia, approaches, I encourage you to review the Program: it promises to be both informative and engaging, offering a wide array of sessions tailored to diverse interests and professional needs, all aimed at inspiring, educating, and promoting collaboration.

As in previous years, the program’s high caliber is a testament to our Program Committee, who have meticulously organized each session. Their countless hours of diligent work ensure the content remains relevant, valuable, and thoughtfully curated. We are deeply grateful for their dedication, which serves as the cornerstone of our annual meeting’s success.

I encourage everyone to make the most of this special occasion: review the Program, register for the meeting, and invite colleagues and students to do the same. Together, we can ensure that this year’s gathering in Norfolk, Virginia, is both memorable and enriching for all, fostering growth and new opportunities for everyone involved.

Sincerely,