5th International Podocyte Conference
ABOUT THE MEETING
The fifth iteration of the Podocyte meeting returned to North America, where Stuart Shankland hosted the conference at the University of Washington in Seattle. There were approximately 26 speakers and 300 attendees, and the meeting was organized in a Gordon Conference style. The goals were outlined as:
- To bring together principal investigators who have primary scientific interest in glomerular epithelial biology from around the world in an informal atmosphere that will stimulate the exchange of ideas. It is anticipated that this meeting will result in more rapid scientific progress in glomerular epithelial biology and will facilitate the development of meaningful long-term collaboration.
- To stimulate the interest of young investigators and other scientists who might be interested in studying glomerular epithelial biology.
- To facilitate cross-talk between clinicians and scientists with the ultimate goal of improving prognosis, treatment and care of patients with glomerular disease.
“I think it is critical to have the current and the next generation being supported. Diversity is critical in in moving this whole field forward, and having select funding opportunities and institutional support and organizational support for these activities and people that will help us propel the science forward is critical.
In the meeting we had in Seattle, for the first time we had short talks by people that were were not really known in the field, but were up and coming folks, and they got the opportunity to show their science and who they are to a largely mature audience in the field. That’s a tough thing to do, and I think it was a big breakthrough.”