The PanAmerican Society for Pigment Cell Research (PASPCR) 25th annual conference entitled "Where pigment cell research never sleeps"

NIH RePORTER · NIH · R13 · $29,496 · view on reporter.nih.gov ↗

Abstract

ABSTRACT The 2024 Annual Meeting of the Pan-American Society for Pigment Cell Research (PASPCR), entitled, “Where pigment cell research never sleeps” will be held in New York City, September 9-12, 2024. Founded in 1988 and made up of approximately 100 members, the PASPCR unites clinicians, developmental biologists, biochemists, immunologists, cell biologists, photobiologists and chemists in the study of pigmentation, melanin and melanocytes. The overall objective of PASPCR 2024 is to increase our knowledge of the normal and abnormal chemistry, biology, and photobiology of the melanocyte across species and its contribution to human health and disease. Building on the success of partnering with other melanocyte focused societies at our last meeting, we are planning a patient session sponsored by the Skin of Color Society (SOCS), the Global Vitiligo Foundation (GVF), and the Global Albinism Alliance (GAA) focused on patients with skin of color and the impact of melanocyte disease. The goals of the meeting are to (1) highlight recent advances in melanin structure and analysis across species, in pigment cell response to light and other environmental stimuli, and in genome-level understanding of melanocyte function and transformation using relevant animal models and human tissues, (2) bring together investigators and clinicians with strong interests in photoprotection, melanocyte developmental and stem cell biology and health disparities in pigmentary disease, and (3) provide mentorship to young investigators with a specific focus on identifying and overcoming career barriers encountered by women and underrepresented minorities. We have emphasized the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusivity (DEI) with a dedicated educational session and patient session, by inviting faculty from the SOCS to our meeting. In response to requests by trainees and young investigators, we are incorporating a panel discussion focused on pigment cell research in the Industry setting. We have ensured meaningful inclusion of young investigators, women, and underrepresented minorities among the invited speakers and leadership of PASPCR 2024. The meeting also features a "Mentorship Mixer" that provides a structured mechanism for students and trainees to obtain scientific and career guidance from well-established scientists. Led by a strong organizational team, PASPCR 2024 promises to be a conference of lasting impact for the pigment cell biology community.

Key facts

NIH application ID
10999742
Project number
1R13AR084871-01
Recipient
WEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV
Principal Investigator
Jonathan Hale Zippin
Activity code
R13
Funding institute
NIH
Fiscal year
2024
Award amount
$29,496
Award type
1
Project period
2024-07-18 → 2025-06-30