In June the Microphysiological Systems World Summit takes place in Berlin. Microphysiological systems (MPS) have evolved very rapidly over the past decade. The application spectrum of the new technology ranges from basic research to clinical research and even industrial application, so that human biology can be emulate under experimental conditions and in this way animal experiments may become redundant. The summit will bring together the academic research community, medical centers, the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, chemical and food industries, regulators, health foundations, charities, patient advocacy groups and policy makers. 

In September Janna will give a talk at the Bio-inspired aerial and aquatic locomotion Workshop at the Les Houches School of Physics. The goal of the workshop is to demonstrate new directions in biomechanics research. The study of the mechanisms underlying animal swimming and flying is now a major field of research in the physical and biological sciences. The focus of the workshop
will be on the macroscopic side of the broad topic of biocomotion in fluids. To this purpose, speakers from Europe and the USA have been invited to Les Houches to encourage exchanges in addition to talks over several days.