The 3rd International Symposium of the Institute for Biomedical Sciences (IBS) was held on December 2nd, 2015. Entitled “New Frontiers Symposium in Regenerative Medicine”, the meeting began with an opening address by Dr. Shunichi Ikeda, Dean of the School of Medicine, followed by a summary of the IBS project by team member Dr. Yuji Shiba. Later, presentations by 3 visiting researchers and 2 investigators from Shinshu University were concluded with a stirring closing address by Dr. Naoto Saito, Director of the IBS.

In the first session, Dr. Fengming Yue from Shinshu University’s Department of Histology and Embryology gave a presentation about the regeneration of pancreatic endocrine and exocrine organs. Next, Dr. Gabriele Stocco from the University of Trieste, Italy, talked about prospective comparisons of individuals with drug-induced pancreatitis using induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. In the second session, Dr. Yuji Shiba of the IBS discussed his advancements in cardiomyocyte regeneration therapy using monkey-derived iPS cells, and then Dr. Itsunari Minami of Kyoto University talked about novel methods of producing cardiomyocytes. Finally, Dr. James Chong from the University of Sydney, Australia, shared his findings on cardiomyocyte regeneration with not only ES cells, but also somatic stem cells.

Both invited guests and attendees alike actively asked questions following each presentation. It was an excellent opportunity for students, researchers, and medical doctors from Japan and abroad to interact on a global stage.