Human Development: From Embryos to Stem Cell Models

Dr. Bernadette de Bakker and PhD student Wenjing Gou have returned from the Cold Spring Harbor Asia Meeting on Human Development in Suzhou, China (22–26 September 2025). Dr. de Bakker served as co-organiser alongside Cantas Alev (Kyoto University), Anne Grapin-Botton (MPI-CBG), Guojun Sheng (Kumamoto University), and Hongmei Wang (Chinese Academy of Sciences), bringing together leading experts in developmental biology.

The meeting covered six key themes ranging from comparative embryology to 3D in vitro disease models and novel analytical tools. Distinguished keynote speakers Graham Burton (Cambridge University) and Jie Qiao (Peking University) highlighted advances in reproductive and developmental biology, with Dr. de Bakker having the privilege of introducing Prof. Qiao.

Dr. de Bakker presented work from the Dutch Fetal Biobank titled “A 3D window into human development” in a session chaired by Peter Mombaerts and Mu He. During the poster session, Wenjing Gou showcased 3D imaging approaches for postmortem human fetal development using 3D-US and micro-CT technology.

The meeting provided valuable opportunities for scientific exchange, including discussions with Shigehito Yamada (steward of the Kyoto embryo collection), conversations on notochord development with Tiago Rito and Lizhong Liu, and interactions with journal editors Robert Stephenson (Nature) and Alex Eve (Development). Participants also had the opportunity to learn about Margherita Yayoi Turco’s work on trophoblast organoids.

Beyond the formal programme, the meeting fostered connections through social events, including visits to Suzhou’s historic areas and networking opportunities supported by Absea Biotech. These interactions strengthen international collaboration in human developmental biology and create pathways for future research partnerships.