Five days, more than 20 sessions and participants from around the world: From 31 August to 4 September 2026, the fourth Organ-on-Chip Summer School took place in Tübingen. The event brought together early-career researchers interested in the development and application of Organ-on-Chip systems.

The programme covered a broad range of topics, from the fundamentals of Organ-on-Chip technology, microfabrication and cell culture to omics, imaging, regulatory aspects and the application of these systems.

From biomaterials to microfabrication

The week started with the fundamentals of developing Organ-on-Chip systems. Ana Mora Boza from Technical University of Munich introduced different aspects of biomaterials. Peter Loskill from the University of Tübingen and the NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute gave insights into microfluidics, dynamics and stem cells. Further sessions focused on microfabrication, presented by Marco Rasponi from Politecnico di Milano, and sensor technologies with Torsten Mayr from Graz University of Technology.

Hands-on training was an important part of the Summer School. Working in small groups, participants had the opportunity to explore different methods and try them out themselves. The practical programme included biomaterials, microfabrication, cell culture and integration, microelectrode arrays and optical sensors.

The practical sessions were supported by Marlene Fritsch, Nina Köder, Mathias Busek, Hanna Vuorenpää, Corinna Jauch, Monika Yanovska, Svenja Lohmüller, Fulya Ersoy, Ayla Aksoy-Aksel, Torsten Mayr and Virginia Brancato.

Biological models and their readouts

Another focus of the week was how complex biological processes can be investigated using Organ-on-Chip systems.

Steven Ray Wilson from the University of Oslo presented different approaches to omics readouts. Julia Marzi from NMI focused on imaging, while Effie Bastounis from Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin provided insights into image analysis. The programme also included sessions on immunology with Claudia Teufel and organoids with Kevin Achberger, both from the University of Tübingen. Silvia Mihăilă introduced participants to practical aspects of TEER measurements.

Quality, regulation and application

In addition to the development and characterisation of Organ-on-Chip systems, the Summer School also addressed questions related to quality and their future use.

David Pamies from the University of Lausanne spoke about Good Cell Culture Practice (GCCP) and the importance of transparent and reproducible documentation. Costanza Rovida from CAAT-Europe discussed the regulatory landscape and Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs).

The scientific programme concluded with Olivier Frey from InSphero, who addressed the acceptance and application of Organ-on-Chip systems. This brought a broader question into focus: How can new models move from research into real-world applications?

Exchange beyond the programme

Alongside the scientific sessions, there was plenty of time for informal exchange throughout the week. During the Welcome Social, the Summer School Dinner and a traditional punt boat tour on the Neckar River, participants and speakers had the opportunity to connect outside the lab.

The week concluded with a joint Farewell Evening featuring the TATA-Box game. These informal activities provided valuable opportunities to connect, discuss research projects and exchange experiences beyond the scientific programme.

Thank you to our supporters

The Summer School was made possible with the support of our sponsors. We would like to thank InSphero, PyroScience GmbH, Dynamic42 GmbH, PEPR MED-OOC, BiomimX® Srl, ibidi GmbH and Multi Channel Systems GmbH for their support.

A special thank you also goes to all speakers and trainers who shared their knowledge and experience with the participants, as well as to the organising team and everyone who contributed to the week with their questions, discussions and perspectives.

The 4th Organ-on-Chip Summer School was jointly organised by the 3R-Center Tübingen and the Teaching & Training Working Group of the European Organ-on-Chip Society (EUROoCS).

Five days of Summer School have come to an end – but hopefully the contacts made, ideas exchanged and discussions started during the week will continue beyond Tübingen and lead to new collaborations and joint projects.