Unconventional and Emerging Experimental Organisms in Cell and Developmental Biology

The aim of this meeting is to bring together researchers with expertise in unconventional experimental organisms to share their knowledge and exchange technical approaches. The increasing use of less well-studied systems allows us to tackle fundamental questions around the evolution of multicellular life, body plans and structures, to investigate conserved and divergent cell biological processes and to provide insight into the mechanisms responsible for developmental pattern formation, regeneration, homeostasis and ageing. The meeting will provide an exciting survey of the diversity of life and biological processes, and we hope it will act as a catalyst for disseminating ideas and the application of cutting-edge methods to new organisms.

In addition to an exciting line-up of invited speakers covering all three kingdoms of life, we aim to provide plenty of opportunities for delegates of all career stages to present their work (with both short talks and posters) so that we can highlight as diverse a range of model organisms as possible.