The 9th International USERN Congress and Prize Awarding Festival: Day 2

Day 2 of the 9th USERN Congress brought a packed schedule of groundbreaking keynote lectures, hands-on workshops, interactive panel discussions, and poster presentations. The day emphasized interdisciplinary collaboration, cutting-edge innovation, and a shared vision of “Bringing Science to Life.”

Keynote Lectures: Exploring Frontiers in Science

The day’s keynote speeches covered a range of transformative topics across diverse fields of research:

Prof. Nima Rezaei (Iran): “Inborn Errors of Immunity: Bridging Bench and Bedside”

Highlighting advancements in understanding rare genetic disorders affecting the immune system, Prof. Rezaei showcased how molecular insights into Th subsets and immune deficiencies are leading to more precise diagnostics and therapeutic approaches.

Dr. Hassan Abolhassani (Sweden): “The Molecular Foundations of Human Th Subsets”

This lecture focused on the critical roles of immune cells in maintaining health, detailing breakthroughs in molecular pathways that define Th subsets and their implications for immune system diseases.

Dr. Elissaveta Naumova (Bulgaria): “Challenges in Diagnosing Primary Immunodeficiency in Bulgaria”

Dr. Naumova explored the diagnostic hurdles faced in identifying primary immunodeficiencies, underscoring the importance of early detection and personalized care in Bulgaria’s healthcare system.

Prof. Alexander Leemans (Netherlands): “Mapping the Brain’s Networks Using Diffusion MRI”

An exploration of cutting-edge diffusion MRI techniques for visualizing brain pathways, providing new insights into connectivity, neuroplasticity, and neurological disorders.

Dr. Joseph Firth (UK): “AI in Digital Mental Healthcare: Evidence and Priorities”

Dr. Firth detailed the integration of artificial intelligence into mental health care, discussing applications in diagnosis, personalized treatments, and improving accessibility to mental health services globally.

Workshops: Hands-On Innovation

Participants engaged in immersive workshops designed to bridge theory and practice:

Simulation Medical Training – Virtual Experience: Led by Dr. Milena Sandeva, this session offered hands-on training using advanced simulators to recreate medical scenarios, enhancing skill development in a controlled environment.

Molecular PCR for Detecting Infectious Syndromes: Mentored by Dr. Eli Hristozova and Dr. Andreana Angelova, this workshop focused on the use of multiplex PCR techniques for rapid and accurate detection of infectious diseases.

Molecular Diagnosis of Mitochondrial Dysfunction: Experts Dr. Yordan Sbirkov and Dr. Maria Gevezova guided attendees through cutting-edge methods for identifying mitochondrial disorders, highlighting their clinical significance.

Interactive “Meet the Expert” Sessions

The “Meet the Expert” sessions provided invaluable opportunities for young scientists to engage with leaders in their fields:

“How AI is Shaping Future Research” by Professor Tommaso Dorigo (Italy)

“Targeted Immunotherapy in Pediatric Oncology” by Dr. Mariya Spassova (Bulgaria)

“Interface Between Physical and Mental Health” by Dr. Joseph Firth (UK)

“Surgical Innovations and Opportunities” by Dr. Frank Sellke (USA)

Poster Presentations: A Showcase of Global Research

Five poster sessions highlighted cutting-edge research across multiple disciplines, from innovation in diagnostics to exploring the role of AI in personalized medicine. Participants had the opportunity to present their findings and network with peers and experts.

Lyrical Gala: Science Meets Art

The day concluded with a spectacular lyrical gala held at Plovdiv’s historic auditorium. Featuring performances blending classical music with cultural expressions, the gala celebrated the unity of science and art—a hallmark of USERN’s interdisciplinary ethos.