Innovation Showcase - Call for Emerging Mitochondrial Technologies
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- Published on 23 September 2026
We welcome researchers, start-ups and technology developers working on mitochondrial imaging, functional assays, metabolic analysis, artificial intelligence, diagnostic platforms and emerging analytical technologies.
The session will close around one strategic question:
Which technologies are truly ready to transform mitochondrial research and clinical practice?
If you are developing a new way to see, measure, decode or evaluate mitochondria, bring it to Berlin.
For more information and innovation submission:https://wms-site.com/alert-on-mitochondria/1396-call-for-abstracts-innovations-2026
When Mitochondria Are Damaged, Who Decides Cell Survival? From Mitophagy to Stress Signaling: The Next Frontier in Neurodegeneration
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- Published on 23 September 2026
We are pleased to announce that Dr. Derek Narendra from The National Institutes of Health, USA, will join Targeting Mitochondria 2026 as a featured speaker.
Damage-Sensing in Mitochondrial Disorders: From Mitophagy to the Integrated Stress Response
Mitochondria are not passive victims of damage. They possess internal surveillance systems able to detect dysfunction, activate defense programs, and determine whether recovery remains possible.
Professor Narendra will explore how two major mitochondrial quality-control pathways interact in degenerative neurological disorders:
- PINK1–Parkin mitophagy selective elimination of damaged mitochondria
- OMA1–DELE1 mitochondrial integrated stress response (mt-ISR) metabolic adaptation to mitochondrial stress, particularly protein homeostasis
These pathways are often activated together, yet serve complementary functions:
- one removes defective mitochondria
- one helps the cell adapt and survive under stress
Using in vivo models of mitochondrial myopathy caused by protein misfolding, his team has shown that these pathways are essential for survival and may behave differently in living tissues compared with cultured cells.
Strategic Questions for Berlin
- Why do some cells recover while others degenerate?
- Can stress signaling be therapeutically tuned before irreversible damage occurs?
- Could neurodegeneration begin with failed mitochondrial damage sensing?
The future of mitochondrial medicine may not only be correcting mutations.
It may be understanding how cells detect danger, respond to stress, and choose survival or collapse.
Memory and Mitochondria: Are We Entering the Era of Programmable Brain Energy? T
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- Published on 23 September 2026
The World Mitochondria Society is pleased to announce that Dr. Etienne Hébert Chatelain from Université de Moncton, Canada, will join the 17th World Congress on Targeting Mitochondria 2026 in Berlin.
Dr. Hébert-Chatelain will present a strategic lecture entitled: Programmable Mitochondria: Rewiring Brain Bioenergetics to Restore Cognition
His recent work published in Nature Neuroscience, together with Giovanni Marsicano and Luigi Bellocchio from NeuroCentre Magendie, INSERM and University of Bordeaux, introduces a major conceptual shift in neurodegeneration research.
Using an engineered mitochondrial signaling system called mitoDREADD-Gs, the team demonstrated that mitochondrial activity can be remotely reactivated, restoring synaptic plasticity and memory performance in mouse models of cognitive decline.
The study suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction may not simply be a downstream consequence of neurodegeneration, but an active driver of cognitive decline that may become therapeutically reversible.
This work opens major perspectives for:
* Mitochondrial neuromodulation
* Organelle-targeted signaling
* Programmable bioenergetics
* Next-generation mitochondrial medicine
At Targeting Mitochondria 2026, this emerging strategic shift will be discussed through critical questions:
Can cognitive decline be reversed by restoring mitochondrial bioenergetics before neurons are lost?
Are mitochondria becoming the next therapeutic control point in Alzheimer’s disease and dementia?
Mitochondrial Translation Under Stress: A New Frontier in Mitochondrial Medicine.
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- Published on 23 September 2026
At the upcoming World Mitochondria Society meeting, Dr. Ru-Rong Ji from Duke University School of Medicine, USA, will highlight a strategic topic gaining major relevance: how mitochondrial protein synthesis shapes cellular resilience, disease progression, and therapeutic opportunity.
Mitochondria depend on their own translation machinery to maintain respiratory chain performance and energy balance. When this system fails, consequences may include inflammation, neurodegeneration, metabolic dysfunction, and accelerated aging.
This raises key questions for the field:
* Can impaired mitochondrial translation be an early driver of disease?
* Could restoring mitochondrial proteostasis improve resilience?
* Is this an emerging target for precision therapeutics?
* How does mitochondrial stress signaling reshape whole-cell adaptation?
The future of mitochondrial medicine will not be defined only by ATP production, but also by protein quality control, communication networks, and adaptive capacity.
A discussion highly relevant for experts in aging, metabolism, neuroscience, inflammation, and translational medicine.
Submit your work for the Best Image Award 2026
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- Published on 20 July 2026
Best Scientific Image Award 2026: Show the World Your Mitochondrial Discovery
Can a single image change the way we see mitochondrial biology?
The World Mitochondria Society (WMS) is pleased to announce the opening of submissions for the Best Scientific Image Award 2026, an international competition celebrating the most outstanding scientific images in mitochondrial research.
The Mitochondrial Measurement Challenge: WMS 2026 Workshop
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- Published on 28 April 2026
Before we can target mitochondria, we must first understand how to accurately measure their function, dysfunction, adaptability, and resilience. This high-level workshop will lay the scientific foundation for the congress. This high-level workshop will lay the scientific foundation for the congress. As mitochondrial medicine enters a new era, the key question is no longer only what mitochondria are but how they behave, adapt, fail, and recover.
Led by Naïg Gueguen, the session will explore:
Call for Abstracts & Innovations
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- Published on 15 April 2026
Berlin will host the 17th World Congress of the World Mitochondria Society on October 21–23, 2026. This is more than a call for abstracts. It is a call for ideas, innovations, and translational strategies that move mitochondrial science forward.
From Powerhouse to Prescription: Hazel H. Szeto Joins the WMS As KEYNOTE Speaker
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- Published on 15 April 2026
From Powerhouse to Prescription: Dr. Hazel Szeto Joins the WMS Annual Meeting 2026 as KEYNOTE Speaker. We are proud to announce that Hazel H. Szeto has accepted our invitation to join the WMS Annual Meeting – Targeting Mitochondria 2026, taking place in Berlin on October 21–23, 2026. Dr. Szeto is internationally recognized for pioneering mitochondria-targeted therapeutics and for helping transform mitochondrial science into real medicine. Her work contributed to one of the first FDA-approved mitochondria-targeted therapies a historic milestone for the field.
Welcome to Targeting Mitochondria 2026
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- Published on 01 February 2026
Warm regards,
Prof. Volkmar Weissig
President of the World Mitochondria Society
Midwestern University, USA
Concluding Remarks of WMS 2025
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- Published on 12 January 2026
The 16th World Congress on Targeting Mitochondria marked a defining moment for the mitochondrial community. Over three days in Berlin, the discussions made one thing clear: mitochondria are no longer a niche topic of cell biology, they have become a central pillar of modern medicine. In his concluding remarks, Marvin Edeas, Founder and Chairman of the World Mitochondria Society, emphasized that mitochondrial research has entered a new phase.
WMS 2025 Awards – Celebrating Scientific Excellence in Mitochondrial Medicine
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- Published on 11 January 2026
At Targeting Mitochondria 2025, the World Mitochondria Society honored three outstanding scientific contributions that perfectly reflect the spirit of WMS: bold ideas, rigorous science, and a dynamic vision of mitochondria. These awards celebrate discoveries that connect energy, communication, metabolism, and resilience, reminding us that mitochondria are not static structures, but active players shaping health, disease, and longevity.
Targeting Mitochondria 2025, A Record-Breaking Edition Defining the Next Frontier of Medicine
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- Published on 19 October 2025
The World Mitochondria Society (WMS) proudly announces an unprecedented level of participation at the 17th World Congress on Targeting Mitochondria, uniting more than 237 academic and institutional partners and over 31 industrial and investment organizations.
This year’s edition represents a turning point in mitochondrial science, where fundamental biology meets translational medicine, biotechnology, and AI-driven innovation. From energy metabolism to organelle communication, mitochondria are emerging as strategic integrators of cellular function, systemic health, and longevity.
“Mitochondria are no longer seen only as the cell’s powerhouse,” said Volkmar Weissig and Marvin Edeas, President and Founder of the WMS.
“We are now decoding their language, how they communicate, adapt, and influence other organelles. This knowledge is redefining how we approach diagnostics, therapeutics, and prevention.”
With record-breaking attendance and scientific diversity, Targeting Mitochondria 2025 will feature:
Australia:
· Deakin University
Belgium:
· ORBI team, URBC, University of Namur
Brazil:
· University of Campinas (UNICAMP)
Bulgaria:
· Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences
Canada:
· Lunella Biotech. Inc.,
Chile:
· IMPACT CENTER, Universidad de Los Andes
China:
· Kunming Medical University · Shanghai jiaotong university
Czech Republic:
· Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague · Institute Of Physiology Of The Czech Acad. Sci. · Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences
Finland:
· Tampere University · University of Eastern Finland
France:
· CEA MIRCen CNRS UMR 9199 · INSERM INM · INTERNATIONAL SPACE FEDERATION · L'Oreal R&I · Proya Europe · Université paris Cité, INSERM · University Paris-Saclay; INRAE
Germany:
· Albstadt-Sigmaringen University · Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin · Deutsches Herzzentrum der Charité · Deutsches Herzzentrum der Charite · Universitätsklinikum Erlangen · Dr. Mühlhausen · HAW Albstadt-Sigmaringen · Universitätsklinikum Essen · University Albstadt-Sigmaringen · University Medical Center Göttingen
Greece:
· EK PA
India:
· Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Tirupati, India · National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) - Ahmedabad
Israel:
· Hebrew University of Jerusalem · Minovia Therapeutics Ltd. · Neurim Pharamceuticals · Sheba Medical Center
Italy:
· Crab Sinergy Srl · IDI IRCCS- Fondazione Maria Luigi Monti · Institute of Cristallography, National Council of Research · IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute · National Research Council (CNR) · Polytechnic University of Marche
· Università degli Studi dell'Insubria · Università degli Studi di Bari · University of Milan · University of Padova · University of Salento · University of Turin · University of Verona
Japan:
· Hokkaido University · Kyowa Kirin · National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute · Tokyo University of Science
Kazakhstan:
· Nazarbayev University
Lithuania:
· Lithuanian University of Health Sciences
Luxembourg:
· University of Luxembourg
Mexico:
· Universidad de Guanajuato
Monaco:
· Biotech Investor
Netherlands:
· Amsterdam UMC · Maastricht University · Radboud University Department of Microbiology · UMC Utrecht
Norway:
· Miphic · University of Oslo
Poland:
· Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań · Institute of Fundamental Technological Research, Polish Academy of Sciences · Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology PAS · Warsaw University of Life Sciences
· Wroclaw Medical University
Singapore:
· National University of Singapore
Slovakia:
· OVOGENE / IFG
Slovenia:
· University of Ljubljana · University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy · University of Maribor
South Korea:
· CHA University · Institute of Endemic Diseases / Seoul National University Medical Research Center · Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) School · Seoul National University College of Medicine
Spain:
· Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares, Madrid, Spain · Universidad de Zaragoza
· University of Oviedo
Sweden:
· Karolinska Institutet · Stockholm Univerisity
Switzerland:
· ETH Zürich · Novartis Biomedical Research
· University of Basel
Turkey:
· Hacettepe University · Koc University · Kocaeli University, Department of Stem Cell
United Kingdom:
· Altos Labs UK · CellSpex Ltd · King’s College London · Northumbria University, Newcastle University · The Roger Williams Institute of Liver Studies · University of Bath · University of Cambridge
United States:
· Aardvark Therapeutics · ASU School of Molecular Sciences · Ciity of Hope National Medical Center · Colossal Biosciences · Labryo Fertility Center · Michael J Fox Foundation · No affiliation · Social Profit Network · Solid Biosciences · Stanford University · Throne Biotechnologies · University of California Los Angeles · University of California San Diego · University of California San Francisco (UCSF) · University of California, San Diego/ Neurosciences · University of South Dakota · UT Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center · Vertex Pharmaceuticals · Wayne State University · Wayne State University, Detroit · West Virginia University
As mitochondria move from passive subjects of research to dynamic targets for intervention, the 2025 Congress will serve as a global platform to chart the path from observation to transformation, from understanding energy to engineering health.
Discover who is attending and explore the full scientific program.
Mitochondria & Organelle Crosstalk - Rethinking Organelle Crosstalk: Mitochondrial-Derived Vesicles in Peroxisome Biogenesis Presented by Dr. Ayumu Sugiura
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- Published on 19 May 2025
At the heart of cellular metabolism, mitochondria and peroxisomes play tightly interconnected roles in lipid regulation, redox homeostasis, and energy dynamics. While direct contacts between these organelles have long been observed, the mechanisms underlying their communication and biological significance are only beginning to emerge.
In an insightful presentation, Dr. Ayumu Sugiura of Juntendo University, Japan, introduces a compelling hypothesis: mitochondrial-derived vesicles (MDVs) may serve as essential mediators in peroxisome biogenesis. These vesicles, generated by mitochondria in response to cellular cues, could carry lipids, enzymes, or signaling molecules critical for initiating or modulating peroxisomal function.
“Mitochondrial-derived vesicles may provide a missing mechanistic link in understanding how mitochondria influence peroxisome formation and specialization,” says Dr. Sugiura.
His talk emphasized that this vesicular communication is not a byproduct of stress or degradation but a targeted and regulated form of inter-organelle signaling, reflecting a deeper evolutionary connection.
Understanding MDVs and their role in peroxisome biology may open new avenues in treating metabolic disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and inherited mitochondrial syndromes, where organelle cooperation is often impaired.
This new perspective encourages scientists to rethink organelle crosstalk not as static interactions but as dynamic exchanges of molecular information, and places MDVs at the center of this emerging dialogue.
Targeting Mitochondrial Pyruvate Carrier: Impact on Future Metabolic Therapies
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- Published on 22 April 2025
Prof. Edmund Kunji from the University of Cambridge will give a major talk entitled Targeting mitochondrial pyruvate carrier: impact on future metabolic therapies, during the Targeting Mitochondria 2025 Congress, which will be held on October 22-24, in Berlin, Germany.
About Prof. Kunji's talk:
Fifty years after the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC) was first identified, researchers have now resolved its molecular structure and mechanism of action. In a landmark study published in Science Advances, Sichrovsky et al. (2025) unveiled how this critical mitochondrial complex mediates pyruvate transport and how its inhibition could be leveraged for therapeutic purposes in cancer, metabolic disorders, and more.
About his outstanding study:
Major Discoveries of the Study by Prof. Edmund Kunji and his teams
Molecular Structure of MPC:
The authors used cryo-electron microscopy to capture the architecture of the human MPC complex. They discovered that MPC forms a heterodimeric transport unit (MPC1/MPC2), creating a selective channel that guides pyruvate across the inner mitochondrial membrane.
Mechanism of Transport and Inhibition:
The study revealed how small-molecule inhibitors bind to the MPC complex and block its function, offering a blueprint for drug development. Structural analysis pinpointed specific binding sites that explain both transport dynamics and inhibition sensitivity.
Conserved Functionality:
Evolutionary conservation of the MPC mechanism across species (including yeast and human) underscores its universal biological role in cellular energy homeostasis.
Therapeutic Implications
Cancer:
Some tumors overexpress MPC to fuel high mitochondrial activity. MPC inhibitors could starve these cells of essential metabolites, selectively disrupting their growth.
Metabolic Diseases:
In conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), blocking MPC forces hepatocytes to burn fat instead of relying on glucose, leading to reduced liver fat accumulation.
Regenerative Medicine & Hair Growth:
MPC inhibition has been shown to stimulate lactate production, which may promote hair follicle cell activation, opening potential new treatments for alopecia.
Mitochondrial Dysfunction & Neurodegeneration:
Targeting MPC may allow modulation of energy metabolism in neurodegenerative and mitochondrial diseases, where ATP production and redox balance are impaired.
Broader Impact
Drug Development:
The structural elucidation of MPC provides a molecular framework for designing selective modulators, setting the stage for new classes of metabolic drugs.
Precision Medicine:
Understanding individual differences in MPC structure/function may lead to personalized metabolic therapies tailored to genetic or disease-specific metabolic profiles.
Synthetic Biology & Bioenergetics:
The detailed MPC model can inform the engineering of customized metabolic pathways, supporting advances in synthetic biology, cell therapies, and biotechnology.
Keynote Speech: Targeting Mitochondrial Channels: Update and Strategies
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- Published on 11 April 2025
Keynote Speech: Targeting Mitochondrial Channels: Update and Strategies
In his keynote speech, Prof. Szewczyk will provide the latest insights into the role of mitochondrial channels in cellular function and disease. He will discuss recent advancements and strategic approaches for targeting these channels, highlighting their potential in therapeutic interventions.
About Adam Szewczyk
Adam Szewczyk is a Professor of Biochemistry and former director of the Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology (Polish Academy of Sciences) in Poland, and since 2022, he has served as the President of the Polish Biochemical Society. He completed his chemical studies at Warsaw University and his postdoctoral fellowship at Bern University (Switzerland), Institute of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology-Nice University (France), and at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD. He is the Head of the Laboratory of Intracellular Ion Channels at Nencki Institute.
His research is focused on the role of ion channels on mitochondrial function and intracellular ion channels pharmacology and biophysical properties of mitochondrial potassium channels.
World Mitochondria Society
Annual World Congress on Targeting Mitochondria
October 22-24, 2025 - Berlin, Germany
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