Several members of the Millman Lab attended the Human Islet Research Network (HIRN) 10th Anniversary Meeting from January 13-15. The lab was represented by Dr. Jeffrey Millman, Dr. Matthew Ishahak, Dr. Noyonika Mukherjee, Ed Sanchez-Castro, Daniel Veronese Paniagua, Marlie Maestas, Alice Smagorinsky, Tai Le, James Lu, and Allison Kelley. The meeting was hosted at the Natcher Conference Center on the NIH Campus in Bethesda, MD, and brought together top scientists, researchers, and innovators focused on advancing the understanding and treatment of type 1 diabetes (T1D).
Dr. Millman played an integral role in the event, serving on the planning committee and moderating a panel discussion on innovative technologies for T1D discovery research. Dr. Ishahak also participated as a member of this panel. Their insights highlighted cutting-edge technologies and methodologies, exploring how advancements in cell biology, gene editing, and high-throughput screening are paving the way for breakthroughs in understanding and treating T1D.
Several members of the Millman Lab presented their work through posters, with Dr. Ishahak, Mr. Veronese Paniagua, Mr. Sanchez-Castro, Ms. Maestas, and Ms. Kelley showcasing their latest research findings. Their posters, which covered a range of topics related to islet biology, T1D, and innovative therapeutic strategies, sparked valuable discussions and networking opportunities.
The event also marked the launch of the new HIRN Consortium on Modeling of Autoimmune Diabetes (CMAD), of which the Millman Lab is proud to be an inaugural member. Dr. Millman and several other lab members stayed an additional day for the kickoff meeting, excited to collaborate with other prominent research groups in the field and contribute to the development of advanced models for studying T1D. This new consortium will be pivotal in enhancing our understanding of the immune system’s role in diabetes and in designing new therapeutic approaches.
The HIRN meeting provided a unique opportunity for the Millman Lab to engage with peers, share new findings, and strengthen its commitment to pioneering research in the fight against T1D. The lab’s participation in both the meeting and the new CMAD consortium underscores its ongoing leadership in the field and its dedication to transforming T1D research through innovation and collaboration.