Registration deadlines

Early Bird - Expired

Talk Submission - Expired

Poster Submission - 12 Dec 2024

Registration Deadline - 12 Dec 2024

Register

Conference Manager

Alice Tebbit

Alice Tebbit

3rd Niche-epithelial Stem Cell Interactions in Lung Health and Disease Conference

#Fusionlung25


17 Feb 2025 - 20 Feb 2025

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Chairs

Denise Al Alam
The Lundquist Institute
Saverio Bellusci
Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, ECCPS

Synopsis

The different epithelial stem/progenitor cells identified in the different regions of the lung interact with specific mesenchymal, immune and vascular niches which have recently been characterized. These niches dictate the quiescence of the epithelial stem/progenitor cells, their re-entry into the cell cycle and subsequent differentiation, as well as their regenerative potential. Emerging literature have shed light on the cells composing these different niches, and their distinct roles in driving development, homeostasis, injury/repair and disease development. 

Key Sessions

•    Epithelial stem cells and their niches in lung development
•    Epithelial stem cells and their niches in lung homeostasis and repair
•    Characterisation of novel epithelial and mesenchymal progenitor cell populations

Confirmed Invited Speakers

Miguel Alejandre Alcázar (University of Cologne)
IMMUNE-EPITHELIAL INTERPLAY IN EARLY LIFE INITIATES PREMATURE ALVEOLAR AGING AND CHRONIC LUNG DISEASE
Hal Chapman (UCSF)
DEVELOPMENT OF LUNG FIBROSIS: HOW CELLS SIGNAL, CHANGE, AND EMERGE
Maurizio Chioccioli (Yale School of Medicine)
Stijn De Langhe (Mayo Clinic)
HIPPO SIGNALING IN PULMONARY FIBROSIS 
Mingxia Gu (Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center)
Susanne Herold (Justus-Liebig-University Giessen)
Tatiana Kalin (University of Arizona College of Medicine)
Carla Kim (Boston Children's Hospital)
CELL-CELL INTERACTIONS IN REGULATION OF LUNG HOMEOSTASIS, DISEASE AND CANCER
Mareike Lehmann (Helmholtz Center Munich / Philipps University Marburg)
THE ROLE OF AGING IN CHRONIC LUNG DISEASES: FROM CELLULAR SENESCENCE TO TISSUE REMODELING
Yuru Liu (University of Illinois at Chicago)
CHARACTERIZATION OF PERIVASCULAR ALVEOLAR EPITHELIAL STEM CELLS AND THEIR NICHE IN LUNG HOMEOSTASIS AND CANCER
Enid Neptune (Johns Hopkins Medicine)
David Ornitz (Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis)
FGF SIGNALING IN PRIMARY AND SECONDARY ALVEOLOGENESIS
Purushothama Rao Tata (Duke University)
TO REPLICATE OR DIFFERENTIATE: STEM CELLS IN A DILEMMA 
Maor Sauler (Yale School of Medicine)
AT2 CELLS: WALKING, TALKING, AND STEERING LUNG DISEASE PROGRESSION
Christos Samakovlis (Stockholm University)
Soni Savai Pullamsetti (Justus-Liebig-University Giessen)
MECHANISTIC INSIGHTS INTO POSTNATAL PULMONARY VASCULAR DEVELOPMENT
Herbert Schiller (Helmholtz Munich)
Jason Spence (University of Michigan)
INTERROGATING STEM CELL NICHES DURING HUMAN LUNG DEVELOPMENT
Xin Sun (University of California, San Diego)
THE ROLE OF LUNG MESENCHYME AS A NICHE

To keep up to date with deadlines, grants and programme announcements, please sign up for updates. If you're keen to join us in the Dominican for our biennial Lung Disease conference, register today to secure your place!

Supported By

Silver
Media Partners
If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

3rd Niche-epithelial Stem Cell Interactions in Lung Health and Disease Conference

#Fusionlung25


17 Feb 2025 - 20 Feb 2025

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Chairs

Denise Al Alam
The Lundquist Institute
Saverio Bellusci
Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, ECCPS

Speakers

Invited Speakers

Miguel Alejandre Alcázar

University of Cologne

Hal Chapman

UCSF

Maurizio Chioccioli

Yale School of Medicine

Stijn De Langhe

Mayo Clinic

Mingxia Gu

Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center

Susanne Herold

Justus-Liebig-University Giessen

Tatiana Kalin

University of Arizona College of Medicine

Carla Kim

Boston Children's Hospital

Mareike Lehmann

Helmholtz Center Munich/ Philipps University Marburg

Yuru Liu

University of Illinois at Chicago

Enid Neptune

Johns Hopkins Medicine

David Ornitz

Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis

Purushothama Rao Tata

Duke University

Christos Samakovlis

Stockholm University

Maor Sauler

Yale School of Medicine

Soni Savai Pullamsetti

Justus-Liebig-University Giessen

Herbert Schiller

Helmholtz Munich

Jason Spence

University of Michigan

Xin Sun

University of California, San Diego

Supported By

Silver
Media Partners
If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

3rd Niche-epithelial Stem Cell Interactions in Lung Health and Disease Conference

#Fusionlung25


17 Feb 2025 - 20 Feb 2025

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Chairs

Denise Al Alam
The Lundquist Institute
Saverio Bellusci
Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, ECCPS

Programme

Page: /

Supported By

Silver
Media Partners
If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

3rd Niche-epithelial Stem Cell Interactions in Lung Health and Disease Conference

#Fusionlung25


17 Feb 2025 - 20 Feb 2025

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Chairs

Denise Al Alam
The Lundquist Institute
Saverio Bellusci
Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, ECCPS

Prices

Ticket Type Early Bird Full Price
Single
Choose this option if you will be attending the conference alone, or if you will bring accompanying guests that will not attend the meeting.
$2380 $2480
Shared
Choose this option if you wish to share with a colleague who is also attending the conference, or if you wish to be paired with another attendee of the same sex.
$1825 $1925
Student
Choose this option if you are a student. Please note all students will be paired with another attendee of the same sex if a room sharer is not specified. If you wish to have your own room, please register under the Single option.
$1195 $1195
Additional Person
This is the cost for an additional adult or child to join you in the same room, for the entire conference period. Accompanying persons are not permitted access to the conference. If you wish to extend your stay, please see our 'Extra night' prices.

Adult

$853

Child

$364

Extra nights
Prices are per person.

Adult

$461

Child

$121


All registration fees include 3 nights accommodation and meals during the conference period. Exact inclusions are detailed below.

What's Included in our Registration Fees?

Our registration fees are inclusive of the following at the Hilton La Romana hotel during the conference period only:

- Conference registration.
- 3 nights’ fixed accommodation (17, 18, 19 Feb 2025) on a single or shared basis in an Enclave Garden View room.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner available at restaurants according to their operational hours.
- Unlimited alcoholic beverages, cocktails and soft drinks available at restaurants and bars according to their operational hours.
- Daily coffee breaks.
- Gala buffet dinner with an open bar.
- Complimentary WIFI throughout the hotel.

Please note, If you arrive earlier than 11am on the day you are due to check in, there may be an early access charge of $25USD per person. This fee will give you access to hotel facilities (not including your room). There is no charge for hotel access for those who arrive after 11am.

What's Included in our Accompanying Adult Fees?

Our accompanying adult fees are inclusive of the following at the Hilton La Romana hotel during the conference period only:

- 3 nights’ fixed accommodation (17, 18, 19 Feb 2025) on a shared basis with a conference participant in an Enclave Garden View room.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner available at restaurants according to their operational hours.
- Unlimited alcoholic beverages, cocktails and soft drinks available at restaurants and bars according to their operational hours.
- Gala buffet dinner with an open bar.
- Complimentary WIFI throughout the hotel.

Important Note: Accompanying guests are not permitted access to the conference.

What's Included in our Accompanying Child Fees?

Our accompanying child fees are inclusive of the following at the Hilton La Romana hotel during the conference period only:

- 3 nights’ fixed accommodation (17, 18, 19 Feb 2025) on a shared basis with the parent/s in an Enclave Garden View room, max 2 adults and 2 children per room (extra beds and/or cribs are subject to availability upon check-in, if requested).
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner available at restaurants according to their operational hours.
- Unlimited soft drinks available by the glass at restaurants and bars according to their operational hours.
- Gala buffet dinner with soft drinks.
- Complimentary WIFI throughout the hotel.

Important Note: Accompanying child fees are applicable for children aged 3-12 years. Children 2 years or younger stay free of charge with a parent. Children aged 13 years and older are classified as an adult at this venue (Hilton La Romana). Please kindly ensure your child / children are supervised at all times during conference and related events. Childcare services are available at the hotel, please contact Alice for further information.

What's Included in our Extra Night Fees?

Our extra night fees are inclusive of the following at the Hilton La Romana hotel:

- 1 night’s accommodation for 1 person in an Enclave Garden View room.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner available at restaurants according to their operational hours.
- Unlimited alcoholic beverages, cocktails and soft drinks available at restaurants and bars according to their operational hours
- Complimentary WIFI throughout the hotel.


Important Note: If you wish to extend your stay more than 3 nights pre/post conference, this is possible to book via Fusion, but please contact Alice for assistance and prices. Extra night child fees are applicable for children aged 3-12 years. Children 2 years or younger stay free of charge with a parent. Children aged 13 years and older are classified as an adult at this venue (Hilton La Romana).

Prices and hotel availability are subject to change without notice.

Supported By

Silver
Media Partners
If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

3rd Niche-epithelial Stem Cell Interactions in Lung Health and Disease Conference

#Fusionlung25


17 Feb 2025 - 20 Feb 2025

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Chairs

Denise Al Alam
The Lundquist Institute
Saverio Bellusci
Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, ECCPS

Grants

ECR GRANTS - NOW AVAILABLE!

We are excited to announce we have 5 x $750 grants available to postdocs or those in junior faculty (within 3 years of your post-graduate position).

These will be awarded on a first come, first serve basis and can be applied to a Single registration fee. To apply or for details of T&C’s, please email Alice

Your application should include your name, organisation, career level and an abstract for talk or poster consideration.


3rd Niche-epithelial Stem Cell Interactions in Lung Health and Disease Conference

#Fusionlung25


17 Feb 2025 - 20 Feb 2025

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Chairs

Denise Al Alam
The Lundquist Institute
Saverio Bellusci
Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, ECCPS

Supported By

Silver
Media Partners
If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

3rd Niche-epithelial Stem Cell Interactions in Lung Health and Disease Conference

#Fusionlung25


17 Feb 2025 - 20 Feb 2025

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Chairs

Denise Al Alam
The Lundquist Institute
Saverio Bellusci
Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, ECCPS

LinkedIn forum

The conference LinkedIn group is an excellent platform to connect with fellow attendees and likeminded researchers prior to the conference. The Fusion team will post regular reminders about forthcoming deadlines, grant opportunities and programme updates. To join, please follow the link below.

Join our group

Supported By

Silver
Media Partners
If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

3rd Niche-epithelial Stem Cell Interactions in Lung Health and Disease Conference

#Fusionlung25


17 Feb 2025 - 20 Feb 2025

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Chairs

Denise Al Alam
The Lundquist Institute
Saverio Bellusci
Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, ECCPS

Venue

Hilton La Romana

Hilton La Romana is an all-inclusive property and is perfectly set on the Dominicans Republic's pristine coast. Lush jungles, gorgeous weather, and expansive beaches invite you to explore the beauty of the island while the resort enchants with daily activities for every age. Explore six restaurants, eight bars and lounges, and 24-hour room service. Relax in oversized rooms with views of tropical gardens or the Caribbean Sea. 

Non-motorized activities like kayaking, snorkeling, and windsurfing are free at the resort.

Venue Rating

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Address

Playa Bayahibe Section B, La Romana, 23000, Dominican Republic

Nearest Airport

Punta Cana International Airport

Hotel Facilities

Six Restaurants (no reservations required)
Eight bars and lounges
Water park
Private beach
Non-motorized watersports
Four ourdoor pools
Daily resort activities
Kids/teens club
Nightly entertainment
Room entertainment
Room services
Fitness center

Please note, If you arrive earlier than 11am on the day you are due to check in, there may be an early access charge of $25USD per person. This fee will give you access to hotel facilities (not including your room). There is no charge for hotel access for those who arrive after 11am.

Location

La Romana is a port city located opposite Catalina Island, and approx 80 km (50 mi) from both Santo Domingo and Punta Cana.

Supported By

Silver
Media Partners
If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

3rd Niche-epithelial Stem Cell Interactions in Lung Health and Disease Conference

#Fusionlung25


17 Feb 2025 - 20 Feb 2025

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Chairs

Denise Al Alam
The Lundquist Institute
Saverio Bellusci
Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, ECCPS

Transportation

There are two airports nearby to the Hilton La Romana: Punta Cana International Airport (Punta Cana) & Las Américas International Airport (Santo Domingo).

Punta Cana International Airport is the closer of the two, with transfers to the Hilton La Romana taking approximately 50minutes. It is likely the most accessible airport for international travellers.

Las Américas International Airport located in Santo Domingo also offers frequent and accessible options for those travelling from the USA. The transfer time is slightly longer, taking approximately 1hr 10minutes to the Hilton La Romana. 

Depending on travel itineraries, we recommend researching flights into both airports to find the most convenient and cost effective option for you. 

Airport Transfers

Airport transfer services must be pre-arranged. To obtain safe, licensed and bilingual transportation services please ensure you book your arrival and return transportation online with an authorised transportation company prior to your arrival to ensure a smooth journey without delays.
 
Private Transportation Companies
There are many alternative transportation companies operating in the Punta Cana area who will be able to provide a quotation for your trip. The following companies are well reviewed on Trip Advisor and quotations can be obtained and bookings can be made directly via their websites.
 
DAT – Dominican Airport Transfers 
•    Destination would be Hilton La Romana, Adults Only.
•    All passengers related to the booking must arrive on the same flight.
•    Cancellations/refunds will be subject to an 11% reduction.
•    No shows are non-refundable. Flight delays are refundable.
•    Same day transfer request are possible via the online booking form, but you may have to wait up to 30 minutes for your driver and there is an additional last minute booking fee of $13.

Transekur
•    Destination would be Hilton La Romana, Adults Only.
•    All passengers related to the booking must arrive on the same flight
•    Full refund for cancellations 14 days before pickup; 50% REFUND between 13 and 2 days before pickup or a 100% credit valid for a year after the original scheduled pickup; Cancellations made within forty-eight (48) hours prior to scheduled pick-up, will result in a cancellation fee equal to the full price of the trip fare.
•    All reservations will be considered a ‘no show’ at two (2) hours past your actual flight landing time (for airport pickups) and 15 minutes at non-airport pickup locations for transfers
 
Transportation is the sole responsibility of the delegate. Please ensure you conduct your own research and double check your booking details ahead of your arrival. Fusion Conferences are unable to assist with or confirm transportation bookings due to insurance limitations. Thank you for your understanding.
 

Supported By

Silver
Media Partners
If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

3rd Niche-epithelial Stem Cell Interactions in Lung Health and Disease Conference

#Fusionlung25


17 Feb 2025 - 20 Feb 2025

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Chairs

Denise Al Alam
The Lundquist Institute
Saverio Bellusci
Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, ECCPS

Local Activities

La Romana, located on the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic, is known for its local culture, international cuisine, and world-class beaches. A few top attractions and activities to enjoy in and around La Romana include:

Altos de Chavón
A recreated 16th-century Mediterranean village perched above the Chavón River. Wander through its cobblestone streets, explore local art galleries, and dine at restaurants with breathtaking views of the river. The village is also home to the Altos de Chavón Amphitheater, which hosts concerts and cultural performances, and a cultural center offering art exhibitions and workshops.

Saona Island (Isla Saona)  
Located within the Cotubanamá National Park, Saona Island is renowned for its white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. The island is a sanctuary for native wildlife, including starfish, dolphins, manatees, and various bird species. It's also an important turtle nesting site. With its tranquil beauty and ideal conditions for snorkeling, swimming, and diving, Saona Island is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Catalina Island (Isla Catalina)
Catalina Island is a small, unspoiled paradise known for its crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches. The island is famous for snorkeling and diving, thanks to its vibrant coral reefs and the famous Captain Kidd’s shipwreck.

Boca de Yuma
A picturesque and secluded town located at the mouth of the Yuma River. Boca de Yuma offers a glimpse into Dominican history, with a colonial-era fort that once defended the area from pirates. In addition to its historical significance, Boca de Yuma provides cultural excursions, including a visit to ‘Cueva de Berna’, one of the largest and most important Taíno caves in the Dominican Republic.

Cueva de las Maravillas
This ancient cave system is home to hundreds of indigenous Taíno petroglyphs and pictograms engraved in the stone walls. The caves offer a unique educational and cultural experience for visitors of all ages.

Cotubanamá National Park
A vast tropical park that spans both land and sea, Cotubanamá National Park is one of the Dominican Republic's most ecologically diverse areas. It features lush mangroves, wetlands, coral reefs, and natural caves. The park is also an Indigenous historical site, where visitors can explore its many caves, some of which contain freshwater springs. The park is renowned for its excellent scuba diving opportunities, and its protected waters offer some of the clearest and most vibrant underwater views in the region.

Supported By

Silver
Media Partners
If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

3rd Niche-epithelial Stem Cell Interactions in Lung Health and Disease Conference

#Fusionlung25


17 Feb 2025 - 20 Feb 2025

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Chairs

Denise Al Alam
The Lundquist Institute
Saverio Bellusci
Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, ECCPS

Group Activities

CATAMARAN TOUR - Tuesday 18th February 2025

During afternoon free time on Day 2 (Tuesday 18th February 2025), you have the opportunity to sail along the beautiful Rio Chavón and a snorkeling experience along the Bayahibe coast.

Price: The total price of this trip is €60.
Payment will be made online via a portal. Payment methods accepted are: VISA, Mastercard, PayPal, AMEX

Tour Includes: A private catamaran, snorkeling experience with all snorkeling equipment, and sailing through Rio Chavón, with complimentary beverages such as rum, beer, soft drinks and water.

To sign up, please email Alice Tebbit, if you have any accompanying guests who wish to join, please note down the names in your email as well.
 

Supported By

Silver
Media Partners
If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

3rd Niche-epithelial Stem Cell Interactions in Lung Health and Disease Conference

#Fusionlung25


17 Feb 2025 - 20 Feb 2025

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Chairs

Denise Al Alam
The Lundquist Institute
Saverio Bellusci
Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, ECCPS

Childcare

Supported By

Silver
Media Partners
If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

3rd Niche-epithelial Stem Cell Interactions in Lung Health and Disease Conference

#Fusionlung25


17 Feb 2025 - 20 Feb 2025

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Chairs

Denise Al Alam
The Lundquist Institute
Saverio Bellusci
Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, ECCPS

Oral Presenters

We have several oral opportunities available at this meeting. To be considered for a talk, please register for the conference and upload your abstract when prompted to do so. You will be able to monitor the status of your abstract through your Fusion account and you will also receive an email if you are successful or unsuccessful.

If you are unable to register for the conference for any reason, but still wish to submit an abstract for consideration, please email the Conference Manager directly.

Please use the abstract template provided (see below) and ensure your abstract is no longer than one page in length.

If you are accepted for a talk, we recommend you check our website regularly as the conference approaches. Regular programme updates will be released under the ‘Programme’ tab on the conference website.

Your Presentation

On the day of your presentation please make yourself known to our AV technician who will be present in the conference room. We advise running through your presentation at least 30minutes prior to your session commencing to ensure your slides and any videos or animations appear as expected. We prefer our speakers to run their presentation from the master PC or Mac, however, if you prefer to use your own laptop then please notify us prior to the session. A HDMI or VGA cable is usually available on the podium.

Our AV technician will apply your microphone and provide a combined slide advancer and laser pointer.

We ask all speakers to adhere to their time slots and respect their fellow presenters. A visual traffic light aide will be available to warn presenters as their time decreases.

Please make sure your presentation adheres to the following guidelines.

Aspect Ratio: On Screen Show (16:9)
File Type: Please save your presentation in PPT, PPTS or Keynote format.

Download Abstract Template

Supported By

Silver
Media Partners
If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

3rd Niche-epithelial Stem Cell Interactions in Lung Health and Disease Conference

#Fusionlung25


17 Feb 2025 - 20 Feb 2025

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Chairs

Denise Al Alam
The Lundquist Institute
Saverio Bellusci
Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, ECCPS

Posters

We have several poster opportunities available at this meeting. To be considered for a poster presentation, please register for the conference and upload your abstract when prompted to do so. You will be able to monitor the status of your abstract through your Fusion account and you will also receive an email if you are successful or unsuccessful.

Please use the abstract template provided (see below) and ensure your abstract is no longer than one page in length.

Our poster boards can accommodate a maximum poster size of A0 (1189H x 841W mm), portrait in orientation. Posters exceeding this size may not fit on the poster boards provided and therefore we may be unable to display your poster, so please kindly keep to these measurements.

Displaying & Presenting Your Poster

Please bring your poster to registration and hand this to a member of the Fusion team. They will advise of your poster number and display your poster for you. 

Your poster will remain on display for the duration of the conference, allowing presenters to take advantage of the refreshment breaks and free time for valuable networking opportunities, in addition to the official poster session.

Please check the programme and note the date and time of the poster session(s). Your poster will be judged during the poster session and prizes will be awarded at the Gala Dinner.

Posters will be taken down by the Fusion team and will be ready for collection at the Fusion desk on the final day of the conference.

Download Abstract Template

Supported By

Silver
Media Partners
If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

3rd Niche-epithelial Stem Cell Interactions in Lung Health and Disease Conference

#Fusionlung25


17 Feb 2025 - 20 Feb 2025

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Chairs

Denise Al Alam
The Lundquist Institute
Saverio Bellusci
Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, ECCPS