43rd Annual meeting of the European Teratology Society Sunday 30th August to Thursday 3rd September 2015
Amsterdam, the Netherlands
I was pleased to join the 43rd annual conference of the European Teratology Society (ETS) which was taken place in Amsterdam, the Netherlands from 30 August to 3 September 2015.
This year, the meeting started by visiting “Museum Vrolik” in academic medical centre, University of Amsterdam, where the welcome reception of the society was held. This is very unusual kind of museums available around the world. This museum contains a collection of pathological specimens, established at the end of the 18th century, comprised of anomalous embryos, odd skulls and bones.
On the next days, the schedule of events was so busy and the symposia consisted of the following topics (Labelling requirements in Europe for pregnancy and lactation, Inflammation in pregnancy development and health, Pulmonary Hypertension, The zebrafish embryo: fit for all purposes? and Mouse models). Furthermore, there was a round table for young researchers to discuss up to date technologies and models which is it believed to be useful for embryotoxicity screening chemicals. The project that I enjoyed was conducted to assess placental transport of synthetic oxytocin by using ex vivo human placental. Free communication talks of several other researchers from diverse backgrounds was another important part of the meeting this year to keep one posted with various research interests in the field of teratology. However, the main purpose for being in the meeting was to present a part of my project which was performed by myself and two of Dr.Pratten’s medical project students (Roseanna McAlpine and Phasawee Chiewhatpong) under my technical supervision. The poster was entitled ‘Assessment of developmental cardiotoxic effects in chick embryonic cardiomyocyte micromass culture and the mouse embryonic stem cell differentiation model of novel phytochemicals’. This was presented on the second day of the meeting where several feedbacks about our work have been discussed in friendly and scientific environments. We are proud as our poster abstract was accepted for publication in the Reproductive Toxicology Journal Volume 56/2015. Apparently, the social part of the event was also great; we were invited for a dinner in Sint Olofskapel restaurant which was really impressive venue. The dinner was also another opportunity to extend the relationships and to meet new friends.
Being in Amsterdam is another story; there were many attractions to be visited and canals everywhere in the city centre proving inspiring views. I decided to visit Madam Tussauds Museum taking many photos with celebrities and stars. I also popped in to Brussels, Belgium via guided excursion and visited other attractions over there such as Atomium structure and Manneken pis sculpture (the urinating little boy). All that valuable and enjoyable experiences would not be possible without a kind support and guidance from my supervisor Dr. Pratten. Thanks again for my supervisors Dr. Pratten and Dr. Loughna for all the efforts and assistance. Many thanks for the School of Life Sciences for awarding me a travel grant to support my attendance to such scientific events.