The 52nd edition of the Annual Congress of the European Society for Artificial Organs (ESAO), organised for the first time in Romania, is taking place at the Palace of Culture and the 'Nicolae Leon' Building of the 'Grigore T. Popa' University of Medicine and Pharmacy (UMF) in Iasi from 9 to 12 September.

Organised by the Creative Life Association, together with the 'Grigore T. Popa' University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Iasi as its scientific partner and the Iasi City Hall, the event includes the presentation of more than 100 papers, plenary sessions and symposia.

'International participants include specialists from RWTH Aachen University, Medizinische Universitat Wien, Charite - Universitatsmedizin Berlin, KU Leuven, University of Twente and other academic and research institutions. This year's congress theme, 'From Bench to Bedside and Back Again', focuses on the link between laboratory research and the application of results in medical practice. Topics covered include the development of artificial hearts and ventricular assist systems, artificial lungs and extracorporeal support technologies, including ECMO, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, as well as dialysis and blood filtration methods,' according to the UMF Iasi release.

The congress is chaired by Dr Alexandru Plesoianu, from the Center for Innovation and Technological Transfer MAVIS of the 'Grigore T. Popa' University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Iasi, who serves as ESAO 2026 Congress President.

'Dr Alexandru Plesoianu is also a member of the congress's Local Organising Committee. The involvement of the 'Grigore T. Popa'UMF is also reflected in the Local Scientific Committee, which includes university specialists in areas such as surgery, cardiology, nephrology, pharmacology and emergency medicine. Their presence, alongside the international specialists involved in the congress, supports the interdisciplinary nature of the scientific programme,' the quoted source mentioned.

Ahead of the congress, the youngESAO pre- meeting, dedicated to young researchers and PhD students, was also held on 8-9 September, giving them the opportunity to present their projects and interact with researchers and academic groups from other countries.

The ESAO 2026 brings attention to research and technologies in the area of artificial organs, bioengineering, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Daniela Malache; EN - writing by: Rodica State)

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