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- Mitochondria & Brain Energetics in Neurodevelopment & Disorders
Mitochondria & Brain Energetics in Neurodevelopment & Disorders
24 Sep - 27 Sep 2027
Durrës, Albania
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Stewart A. Anderson
University of Pennsylvania
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Franck Polleux
Columbia University
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Xinyu Zhao
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Early Bird - 29 Mar 2027 • Talk Submission - 29 Mar 2027 • Poster Submission - 28 Jun 2027 • Registration & Payment Deadline - 28 Jun 2027
Synopsis
The human brain is the most energetically expensive organ. The development of the human brain is a complex process that requires the precise temporal and spatial orchestration of many cellular events and molecular pathways and is therefore energy-demanding. Mitochondria are critical organelles that meet most of this energy demand in both a cell type-specific and developmental stage-specific manner. Mitochondria are dynamically produced and degraded, remodelled through the balance of fusion and fission events, and transported to different compartments of neurons. Altered mitochondrial dynamics are increasingly linked to various brain disorders. This meeting will showcase recent breakthroughs in understanding the molecular mechanisms governing mitochondrial dynamics and bioenergetics in neurodevelopmental disorders, with the aim to foster collaborations and inspire new perspectives on mitochondrial biology and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Key Sessions
- Neurogenesis and neural differentiation
- Glial development
- Synaptic maturation and function
- Circuit function
- Developmental disorders
- Therapeutic development
- Novel methods for studying brain energetics and mitochondria
Goals
- Improve our understanding of the regulation of brain energetics and mitochondrial dynamics during neurodevelopment.
- Gain insights into how deficits in brain energetics and mitochondrial dynamics contribute to neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders.
- Be exposed to state-of-the-art techniques for studying brain energetics mitochondrial regulation.
Confirmed Invited Speakers
Matteo Bergami (University of Cologne)
Julien Courchet (Lyon 1 University)
Angelika Harbauer (Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence)
Elizabeth Jonas (Yale University)
Leonard Kaczmarek (Yale University)
Samantha Lewis (University of California, Berkeley)
Joel Richter (University of Massachusetts)
Carmen Sandi (EPFL)
Zu-Hang Sheng (NIH)
Pierre Vanderhaeghen (KU Leuven)
Brynn Webb (University of Wisconsin-Madison)
More to be announced soon!
Target Audience
The target audience include basic scientists and trainees working in the field of neurodevelopment, clinicians studying or treating neurodevelopmental disorders, and scientists working on new drug development for neurodevelopmental disorders.
Educational Need
Mitochondrial dysfunctions and brain energetics have been studied extensively in the context of neurodegenerative diseases and represent a major target of drug development. However, the many influences of mitochondrial dysfunction and deficits in brain energetics on neurodevelopmental disorders, from primary drivers of disease to modifiers of the severity of symptoms driven by non-mitochondrial mechanisms, have only recently gained considerable attention. Recent advances in molecular and imaging technologies allow us to investigate mitochondrial dynamics in high resolution and in developing human neurons as well as other stem cell derived brain cell types. While several scientific meetings focus on mitochondrial biology, none have focused on neurodevelopment, and while there are excellent meetings on neurodevelopment, these have not focused on mitochondria. This meeting will provide focused education experience for attendees in an area of burgeoning interest at the ideal stage for a Fusion sponsored meeting.
Confirmed Speakers
Chairs
Stewart A. Anderson
University of Pennsylvania
Franck Polleux
Columbia University
Xinyu Zhao
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Invited Speakers
Matteo Bergami
University of Cologne
Julien Courchet
Lyon 1 University
Angelika Harbauer
Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence
Elizabeth Jonas
Yale University
Leonard Kaczmarek
Yale University
Samantha Lewis
University of California, Berkeley
Joel Richter
University of Massachusetts
Carmen Sandi
EPFL
Zu-Hang Sheng
NIH
Pierre Vanderhaeghen
KU Leuven
Bryn Webb
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Programme
Although the programme has not yet been released, we are able to confirm that the conference should begin no earlier than 14:00 with opening comments on 24 September 2027. The conference will conclude no later than 12:30 on 27 September 2027.
Registration Prices
| Ticket Type | Early Bird | Full Price |
|---|---|---|
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Student Choose this option if you are a student. Please note all students will be paired with another attendee if a room sharer is not specified. Both same-sex and mixed accommodation options available. If you wish to have your own room, please register under the 'Single' ticket option. |
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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 (same-sex and mixed accommodation options available), or if you have an accompanying adult. |
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Single Choose this option if you will be attending the conference alone and wish to have your own private room. |
Student
Choose this option if you are a student. Please note all students will be paired with another attendee if a room sharer is not specified. Both same-sex and mixed accommodation options available. If you wish to have your own room, please register under the 'Single' ticket option.
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 (same-sex and mixed accommodation options available), or if you have an accompanying adult.
Single
Choose this option if you will be attending the conference alone and wish to have your own private room.
Prices exclude VAT (where applicable).
Additional Prices
| Addition Type | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
|
Additional Person This is the cost for an additional adult or child to join you in the same room, for the conference period. Additional guests are not permitted access to the conference. If you wish to extend your stay, please see our 'Extra Night' prices. |
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Extra Night Prices for extra nights apply per person, per night. |
Additional Person
This is the cost for an additional adult or child to join you in the same room, for the conference period. Additional guests are not permitted access to the conference. If you wish to extend your stay, please see our 'Extra Night' prices.
Extra Night
Prices for extra nights apply per person, per night.
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 Melia Durres during the conference period only:
- Conference registration.
- 3 nights’ fixed accommodation (24, 25, 26 Sep 2027) on a single or shared basis in a Deluxe Garden View room.
- Buffet breakfast in Merkado restaurant.
- Buffet lunch in Merkado restaurant, with free flow wine, beer, soft drinks, water, tea and coffee.
- Night 1: Pizza and salad buffet dinner with two drink vouchers (can be exchanged for a cocktail, wine, beer or soft drink).
- Night 2: Finger food buffet with two drink vouchers (can be exchanged for a wine, beer or soft drink).
- Night 3: BBQ gala dinner with 3 hour open bar with free flow wine, beer, soft drinks and water.
- Two drink vouchers during the poster session (can be exchanged for a wine, beer or soft drink).
- Daily coffee breaks.
- Complimentary WIFI throughout the hotel.
What's Included in our Accompanying Adult Fees?
Our accompanying adult fees are inclusive of the following at Melia Durres during the conference period only:
- 3 nights’ fixed accommodation (24, 25, 26 Sep 2027) on a shared basis with a conference participant in a Deluxe Garden View room.
- Buffet breakfast in Merkado restaurant.
- Buffet lunch in Merkado restaurant, with free flow wine, beer, soft drinks, water, tea and coffee.
- Night 1: Pizza and salad buffet dinner with two drink vouchers (can be exchanged for a cocktail, wine, beer or soft drink).
- Night 2: Finger food buffet with two drink vouchers (can be exchanged for a wine, beer or soft drink).
- Night 3: BBQ gala dinner with 3 hour open bar with free flow wine, beer, soft drinks and water.
- Complimentary WIFI throughout the hotel.
Important Note: Accompanying persons are not permitted access to the conference. Meals are only available during the times listed in the conference programme and accompanying guests must dine with the group.
What's Included in our Accompanying Child Fees?
Our accompanying child fees are inclusive of the following at Melia Durres during the conference period only:
- 3 nights’ fixed accommodation (24, 25, 26 Sep 2027) on a shared basis with an adult in a Deluxe Garden View room. Maximum capacity per room: 2 adults + 2 children.
- Buffet breakfast in Merkado restaurant.
- Buffet lunch in Merkado restaurant, with free flow soft drinks, water, tea and coffee.
- Night 1: Pizza and salad buffet dinner with two drink vouchers (can be exchanged for a soft drink).
- Night 2: Finger food buffet dinner with 2 hour open bar with two drink vouchers (can be exchanged for a soft drink).
- Night 3: BBQ gala dinner with 3 hour open bar with free flow soft drinks and water.
- Complimentary WIFI throughout the hotel.
Important Note: Accompanying children are not permitted access to the conference. Meals are only available during the times listed in the conference programme and accompanying children must dine with the group.
Children aged 0-2 years stay and dine free of charge. Accompanying Child fees apply for children aged 3-11 years. Children aged 12+ years are classified as an adult at Melia Durres.
If your child is 0-2 years, please contact us to add them to your booking without charge.
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 Chloe for further information.
What's Included in our Extra Night Fees?
Our extra night fees are inclusive of the following at Melia during the conference period only:
- 1 night’s accommodation for 1 person in a Deluxe Garden View room. Maximum capacity per room: 2 adults + 2 children.
- Buffet breakfast in Merkado restaurant.
- Complimentary WIFI throughout the hotel.
Important Note: Children stay free of charge when accompanying and sharing a room with an adult.
Prices and hotel availability are subject to change without notice.
Venue & Location
Meliá Durres
Our new venue for 2027, Meliá Durrës, provides a contemporary and well-equipped setting for academic meetings, combining versatile conference facilities with a peaceful coastal location that supports both focused work and meaningful collaboration. Situated along the Adriatic coastline in the Plazhi San Pietro area, the venue offers a contained environment that encourages delegates to remain connected throughout the programme.
The hotel features a range of flexible meeting and event spaces suited to formal presentations, panel discussions, and breakout groups, supported by modern AV capabilities and services. Its layout allows for a highly integrated experience, where sessions, shared dining, and informal interaction can take place within close proximity, fostering continued dialogue beyond scheduled sessions.
Set within a quieter coastal area away from urban distraction, the venue creates a focused atmosphere, conducive to reflection, discussion, and community building. A variety of on-site dining venues and communal spaces further support informal exchange, enabling delegates to connect easily throughout the day without pre-planning.
Accommodation is modern and spacious, with private balconies and contemporary amenities providing a comfortable retreat between sessions. These spaces support rest, to protect and maintain engagement across the four-day programme. Free time outside of sessions is intentionally planned, allowing participants to balance work and wellbeing. Access to the beach, pools, and wellness facilities offers opportunities to recharge in a relaxed environment, while still maintaining proximity to colleagues for ongoing conversation and connection.
For those travelling with family, the venue offers a supportive environment with a range of facilities and activities suitable for different age groups, enabling delegates to remain fully engaged in the conference while also spending quality time with family during free time.
General Information
Conference Currency
Euro (EUR)
Local Currency
Lek (ALL) Whilst the conference trades in EUR, the local currency in Albania is ALL (Lek). This is a closed currency, meaning it is only obtainable on arrival in Albania. Whilst some establishments may accommodate a EUR payment, it is not widely accepted so please prepare accordingly. Cash payments are also preferred, and the option of payment by card can be limited.
Address
Plazhi San Pietro, Gjiri i Lalezit Durrës Durrës
Nearest Airport
Mother Teresa International Airport
Hotel Facilities
- 2 Restaurants
- Gym
- Wellness Centre Spa
- Private Beach
- Rooftop Pool
- Complimentary Wi-Fi in guest rooms and throughout hotel and conference areas
Location
Transportation
Group Activities
Group activities have not been released yet. Return here later to find out what we have planned for the group!
Submitting an Abstract
There are several presentation opportunities available at this meeting, in both talk and poster form. To be considered for either option, please register for the conference, upload your abstract when prompted to do so, and select your preferred presentation method. Once submitted, you will be able to monitor the status of your abstract through your Fusion account. You will also receive an email to confirm the outcome of your abstract review.
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.
Note: talk slots are limited for each conference, and we often receive more submissions than spaces available. If your talk submission is unsuccessful on this occasion, your abstract will automatically be considered for a poster presentation as an alternative.
Accepted for a Short Talk
If you are accepted for a Short Talk, we recommend you check our website regularly as the conference approaches for programme updates, these will be released under the ‘Programme’ tab in the navigation panel to the left.
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 30 minutes 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 to ensure a smooth and timely transition between presenters, however, if you prefer to use your own laptop, please notify AV prior to the session. A HDMI cable is usually available on the podium to accommodate this.
Our AV technician will run through microphone options and provide a combined slide advancer and laser pointer ahead of your talk.
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, and our Session Chairs will assist with keeping everyone to time.
Please make sure your presentation adheres to the following guidelines:
Aspect Ratio: On Screen Show (16:9)
File Type: PPT, PPTS or Keynote format.
Accepted for a Poster Presentation
We recommend bringing your poster along with you to the conference as our venues do not have onsite printing facilities. If you wish to independently source local printing, please feel free to do so – the hotel address can be found under the ‘Venue’ tab if needed.
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.
Upon arrival to the conference, the Fusion team will give you instructions for displaying your poster. Your poster will remain on display for the duration of the conference, allowing presenters to take advantage of refreshment breaks and free time for valuable networking opportunities, in addition to the dedicated 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(s) and prizes will be awarded at the Gala Dinner.
Posters will be taken down by the Fusion team and can be collected on the final day of the conference.
If you are interested in this meeting but not yet ready to register, you can sign up for updates here and our team will keep you updated regarding deadline reminders and grant opportunities relating to this meeting only.
Conference Manager
Emily Meen
Need some help? Chat to the Fusion team today
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