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- Mitochondria and Cell Fate Transitions: From Stemness to Senescence
Mitochondria and Cell Fate Transitions: From Stemness to Senescence
Prices from:
€1,209.0010 May - 13 May 2026
St. Julian's, Malta
-
Mireille Khacho
University of Ottawa
-
Elisa Motori
University of Cologne
-
Maria Eugenia Soriano
University of Padua
Early Bird - 09 Nov 2025 • Talk Submission - 09 Nov 2025 • Poster Submission - 08 Feb 2026 • Registration & Payment Deadline - 08 Feb 2026
Synopsis
This conference will explore how mitochondria govern key transitions in cell fate—from quiescence to activation, differentiation, plasticity, and senescence. Recent advances show that mitochondrial dynamics, ultrastructure, and metabolite signaling are tightly linked to decisions that define tissue homeostasis, regeneration, immune responses, and aging. These insights have far-reaching implications for understanding stem cell biology, cancer development, and degenerative disease. The meeting aims to bring together a multidisciplinary audience of stem cell biologists, mitochondrial researchers, immunologists, cancer biologists, neuroscientists and aging experts to explore mitochondria as master regulators of cell identity. Key sessions will cover mitochondrial influence on stemness and differentiation, the role of mitochondrial signaling in cell fate, mechanisms of mitophagy and inner mitochondrial membrane remodeling during fate transitions, and how mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to cell senescence and disease.
The meeting will emphasize unpublished data, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and early-career researcher integration to accelerate advances in mitochondrial control of cell fate and regenerative biology. As organizers, we are excited to create a focused platform for this rapidly evolving topic and connect diverse scientific communities that study mitochondria through the lens of cell fate and maintenance of cellular and tissue homeostasis.
Key Sessions
- Mitochondrial Regulation of Cell Fate Transitions. From quiescence to differentiation, this session focuses on how mitochondria govern cell fate decisions through dynamic shifts in metabolism, structure, and signaling.
- Mitochondria as Signaling Platforms in Development and Disease. This session will focus on how mitochondria communicate through metabolites, ROS, and inflammatory cues to influence the epigenome, immune activity, and lineage plasticity.
- Mitochondrial Dysfunction, Senescence, and Tissue Decline. Chronic mitochondrial stress and its role in driving senescence, stem cell exhaustion, aging and degenerative diseases across tissues.
- Transcriptional and Translational Control of Mitochondrial Programs. Mechanisms regulating mitochondrial gene expression and coordination with nuclear programs during development, stress, and regeneration.
- Mitochondrial Regulation of Immune and Cancer Cell Plasticity. Mitochondrial control of cellular plasticity in immune cells, stem-like cancer populations, and inflammatory tissue remodeling.
Target Audience
This meeting targets researchers across stem cell biology, mitochondrial biology, neuroscience, cancer, immunology, and aging who are interested in how mitochondrial function governs cell fate and tissue homeostasis.
Educational Need
Despite growing recognition of mitochondria as key arbiters of cell fate transitions, the field currently lacks a dedicated platform focused on how mitochondrial structure, signaling, and quality control shape these critical cellular decisions. Mitochondria not only generate energy in the form of ATP but serve as dynamic signaling hubs and functional orchestrators that dictate cellular behavior through redox signals, metabolite output, and structural adaptations. There is a pressing need for a dedicated platform that connects mitochondrial biology with stem cell dynamics, cellular senescence, and fate plasticity. This educational gap is especially relevant to translational efforts spanning regeneration, cancer metabolism, immunomodulation, and neurological disorders, including neurodegeneration and neural repair. This conference will address this need by providing a curated venue for cross-disciplinary learning, fostering collaborations, and driving the field forward.
Confirmed Speakers
Chairs
Mireille Khacho
University of Ottawa
Elisa Motori
University of Cologne
Maria Eugenia Soriano
University of Padua
Programme
Although the programme has not yet been released, we are able to confirm that the conference should begin no earlier than 14:00 with opening comments on Sunday 10 May 2026. The conference will conclude no later than 12:30 on Wednesday 13 May 2026.
Registration Prices
| Ticket Type | Early Bird | Full Price |
|---|---|---|
|
Single Choose this option if you will be attending the conference alone and wish to have your own private room. |
€2424 | €2520 |
|
Shared Choose this option if you wish to share with a colleague who is also attending the conference, or if you wish to be paired with another attendee of the same sex, or if you have an accompanying adult. |
€2098 | €2194 |
|
Student Choose this option if you are a student. Please note all students will be paired with another attendee of the same sex if a room sharer is not specified. If you wish to have your own room, please register under the 'Single' ticket option. |
€1209 | €1209 |
Additional Prices
| Addition Type | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
|
Additional Person This is the cost for an additional adult or child to join you in the same room, for the conference period. Additional guests are not permitted access to the conference. If you wish to extend your stay, please see our 'Extra Night' prices. |
€874 | €0 |
|
Extra Night Prices for extra nights apply per person, per night. |
€283 | €0 |
All registration fees include 3 nights accommodation and meals during the conference period. Exact inclusions are detailed below.
What's Included in our Registration Fees?
Our registration fees are inclusive of the following at Hilton Malta during the conference period only:
- Conference registration.
- 3 nights’ fixed accommodation (10, 11, 12 May 2026) on a single or shared basis in a Deluxe room.
- Buffet breakfast in Oceana restaurant.
- Buffet lunch in Oceana restaurant, two soft drinks or juices, coffee/tea and water.
- Buffet dinner in Oceana restaurant, two drinks vouchers (can be exchanged for a glass of house wine, glass of house beer, or soft drink).
- BBQ Gala Dinner, three drinks vouchers (can be exchanged for a glass of house wine, glass of house beer or soft drink).
- Two drink vouchers during the poster session (can be exchanged for a glass of house wine, glass of house beer or soft drink).
- Daily coffee breaks.
- Complimentary WIFI throughout the hotel.
What's Included in our Accompanying Adult Fees?
Our accompanying adult fees are inclusive of the following at Hilton Malta during the conference period only:
- 3 nights’ fixed accommodation (10, 11, 12 May 2026) on a shared basis with a conference participant in a Deluxe room.
- Buffet breakfast in Oceana restaurant.
- Buffet lunch in Oceana restaurant, two soft drinks or juices, coffee/tea and water.
- Buffet dinner in Oceana restaurant, two drinks vouchers (can be exchanged for a glass of house wine, glass of house beer, or soft drink).
- BBQ Gala Dinner, three drinks vouchers (can be exchanged for a glass of house wine, glass of house beer or soft drink).
- Complimentary WIFI throughout the hotel.
Additional Information
Accompanying persons are not permitted access to the conference. Meals are only available during the times listed in the conference programme and accompanying guests must dine with the group.
What's Included in our Accompanying Child Fees?
Our accompanying child fees are inclusive of the following at Hilton Malta during the conference period only:
- 3 nights’ fixed accommodation (10, 11, 12 May 2026) on a shared basis per adult in a Deluxe room.
- Buffet breakfast in Oceana restaurant.
- Buffet lunch in Oceana restaurant.
- Buffet dinner in Oceana restaurant.
- BBQ Gala Dinner.
- Complimentary WIFI throughout the hotel.
Additional Information
One child can stay and dine on a complimentary basis per paying adult. When there are more children than paying adults, additional fees will apply. Please contact us for pricing.
The maximum capacity in any room category is 4 occupants. For families with more than 4 occupants, a second room is required to accommodate everyone. Please contact us for pricing.
Meals are only available during the times listed in the conference programme and accompanying children must dine with the group. No beverages are included for children and must be paid on consumption.
Accompanying child fees are applicable for children aged 0-10 years. Children aged 11+ years are classified as an adult at Hilton Malta.
Please kindly ensure your child / children are supervised at all times during conference and related events. Childcare services are available at the hotel, please contact Rosie for further information.
What's Included in our Extra Night Fees?
Our extra night fees are inclusive of the following at Hilton Malta during the conference period only:
- 1 night’s accommodation for 1 person in a Deluxe room.
- Buffet breakfast in Oceana restaurant.
- Complimentary WIFI throughout the hotel.
Additional Information
One child can stay and dine on a complimentary basis per paying adult. When there are more children than paying adults, additional fees will apply. Please contact us for pricing.
The maximum capacity in any room category is 4 occupants. For families with more than 4 occupants, a second room is required to accommodate everyone. Please contact us for pricing.
Extra night child fees are applicable for children aged 0-10 years when accompanied by an adult. Children aged 11+ years are classified as an adult.
Prices and hotel availability are subject to change without notice.
Venue & Location
Hilton Malta
We are excited to be heading back to St. Julian’s as our Mediterranean destination for May 2026!
Located only 15 minutes from the ancient capital city of Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hilton Malta is an oceanfront resort overlooking the stunning Portomaso Marina in St. Julian’s. With modern amenities, scenic views, and a tranquil atmosphere, it offers the perfect balance between professional functionality and easy access to local culture and history.
This is not an all-inclusive property, but our registration packages include a full food and beverage package during the conference period. Breakfast remains at leisure, however, the more intimate hotel setting allows us to host group lunches and dinners, providing an ideal environment for focused discussions, so attendees can continue to network and brainstorm outside of planned sessions.
For those who wish to stay extra nights either side of the conference, rates will be bed and breakfast only, so attendees have the freedom to explore local dining experiences and authentic cuisine.
Hotel facilities include;
• Complimentary Wi-Fi in guest rooms and throughout hotel and conference areas
• 4 Seasonal Outdoor Pools
• Spa with Indoor Swimming Pool
• Fitness Center and Tennis Court
• 3 Restaurants
• 2 Bars
General Information
Venue Rating
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Address
Vjal Portomaso St Julian's PTM, 01, Malta
Nearest Airport
Malta International Airport
Location
The Hilton Malta overlooks the stunning Portomaso Marina in St. Julian’s. This beautiful hotel is located only 15 minutes from the ancient capital city of Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Transportation
The hotel is approximately 20 minutes from Malta International Airport, the official airport of the Maltese Islands.
Taxis
Taxis are available outside the airport, however we would strongly recommend you use one of the transport app providers below.
There are 3 options for booking transport with an app- Uber, Bolt and eCabs. They all operate in and around Malta, and the fares are generally cheaper than a taxi. The cost of transfers between Malta International Airport and the city of St Julians generally ranges from €15 to €20.
Local Activities
Local activity details will be announced here soon.
Submitting an Abstract
There are several presentation opportunities available at this meeting, in both talk and poster form. To be considered for either option, please register for the conference, upload your abstract when prompted to do so, and select your preferred presentation method. Once submitted, you will be able to monitor the status of your abstract through your Fusion account. You will also receive an email to confirm the outcome of your abstract review.
If you are unable to register for the conference for any reason, but still wish to submit an abstract for consideration, please email the Conference Manager directly.
Please use the abstract template provided (see below) and ensure your abstract is no longer than one page in length.
Note: talk slots are limited for each conference, and we often receive more submissions than spaces available. If your talk submission is unsuccessful on this occasion, your abstract will automatically be considered for a poster presentation as an alternative.
Accepted for a Short Talk
If you are accepted for a Short Talk, we recommend you check our website regularly as the conference approaches for programme updates, these will be released under the ‘Programme’ tab in the navigation panel to the left.
On the day of your presentation please make yourself known to our AV technician who will be present in the conference room. We advise running through your presentation at least 30 minutes prior to your session commencing to ensure your slides and any videos or animations appear as expected. We prefer our speakers to run their presentation from the master PC or Mac to ensure a smooth and timely transition between presenters, however, if you prefer to use your own laptop, please notify AV prior to the session. A HDMI cable is usually available on the podium to accommodate this.
Our AV technician will run through microphone options and provide a combined slide advancer and laser pointer ahead of your talk.
We ask all speakers to adhere to their time slots and respect their fellow presenters. A visual traffic light aide will be available to warn presenters as their time decreases, and our Session Chairs will assist with keeping everyone to time.
Please make sure your presentation adheres to the following guidelines:
Aspect Ratio: On Screen Show (16:9)
File Type: PPT, PPTS or Keynote format.
Accepted for a Poster Presentation
We recommend bringing your poster along with you to the conference as our venues do not have onsite printing facilities. If you wish to independently source local printing, please feel free to do so – the hotel address can be found under the ‘Venue’ tab if needed.
Our poster boards can accommodate a maximum poster size of A0 (1189H x 841W mm), portrait in orientation. Posters exceeding this size may not fit on the poster boards provided and therefore we may be unable to display your poster, so please kindly keep to these measurements.
Upon arrival to the conference, the Fusion team will give you instructions for displaying your poster. Your poster will remain on display for the duration of the conference, allowing presenters to take advantage of refreshment breaks and free time for valuable networking opportunities, in addition to the dedicated poster session.
Please check the programme and note the date and time of the poster session(s). Your poster will be judged during the poster session(s) and prizes will be awarded at the Gala Dinner.
Posters will be taken down by the Fusion team and can be collected on the final day of the conference.
LinkedIn forum
The Aging and Associated Diseases Research Network LinkedIn group is an excellent platform to connect with fellow attendees and likeminded researchers prior to the conference. The group is open to all and is intended as a networking forum for past, present and future participants of Fusion Conferences as well as those interested in the related topics. To join, please follow the link below.
If you are interested in this meeting but not yet ready to register, you can sign up for updates here and our team will keep you updated regarding deadline reminders and grant opportunities relating to this meeting only.
Conference Manager
Rosie Johnson
Need some help? Chat to the Fusion team today
As a family run business, our dedication runs deep. We’re committed to each other and, even more so, to every attendee’s experience, delivering a level of care and passion that’s truly unmatched.