Clinical and Translational Biophotonics (Translational)
Events
Clinical and Translational Biophotonics (Translational)
21 – 24 April 2025
Coronado, California, USA
Translational focuses on the development and application of optical techniques for clinical applications.
The meeting spans clinical diagnostic, surgical guidance and therapeutic approaches that use light, with applications ranging from cancer to ophthalmology and global health. It also addresses technologies for in-vivo laboratory disease research including contrast agent development and intravital microscopy in animal models.
Presented work will include reports of novel and developing technologies for clinical applications, demonstrations of clinical applications and clinical trial results. Presenters are encouraged to share their experiences relating to the challenges of clinical translation. Events will include panel discussions and networking forums to develop skills and expertise for clinical translation, FDA and regulatory hurdles and fundraising.
Optica Quantum 2.0 Conference and Exhibition
Topic Categories
Specific topics of interest include:
- Preclinical Disease Research: Techniques and Applications
- Molecular contrast agents, probes and reporters
- Diffuse optical spectroscopy and Imaging methods for small animal models of cancer and other diseases
- Optical imaging of the cancer microenvironment, processes and pathways
- Targeted molecular imaging of cancer and quantitative validation methods
- Bioluminescence techniques and applications to disease research
- Photoacoustics in disease research
- Intravital and multiphoton microscopy for pre-clinical disease research
- Intravital Microscopy for Clinical Applications
- OCT techniques and applications in humans
- Endomicroscopy
- FLIM for clinical applications
- Multimodal microscopy for clinical applications
- Raman microscopy and endoscopy for clinical applications
- Micro-elastography and optical biomechanics
- Skin imaging techniques and applications
- Clinical Spectroscopy
- Optical properties of disease
- Intravital spectroscopy for clinical applications
- Hyperspectral imaging techniques and applications in medicine
- Modeling of light propagation and optical properties
- Intrasurgical Imaging
- Optical approaches for surgical guidance
- Intravital optical biopsy
- Perfusion evaluation
- Combined contrast agent / imaging approaches
- Dynamic contrast
- Digital staining microscopy
- Applications in neurological surgery
- Applications in cancer resection
- Non-Invasive Optical Imaging for Disease Applications
- Tomography approaches for clinical applications
- Multi-modal imaging (e.g., combined with x-ray, MRI, ultrasound)
- Photoacoustic techniques and applications in the clinic
- Optical Therapeutics / Theranostics
- PDT, agents, techniques and applications
- Thermal ablation
- Agents for optical therapy
- Laser surgery
- Optical dosimetry
- Clinical Translation: Biophotonics in the Clinic and Beyond
- Global health
- Applications in women’s health
- Applications in ophthalmology
- Applications in dermatology
- New contrast agents in the clinic
- Testing and evaluation of new clinical modalities
- Challenges and trajectories of clinical translation
Committee Members
- Anabela Da Silva, Fresnel Institut, France, General Chair
- Narasimhan Rajaram, University of Arkansas, United States, General Chair
- Davide Contini, Politecnico di Milano, Italy, Program Chair
- Arnaud Dubois, Institut d'Optique Graduate School, France, Program Chair
- Caterina Amendola, Politecnico di Milano, Italy
- Marine Amouroux, Universite de Lorraine, France
- Pierre Bleuet, CEA
- Guillaume Blivet, Regenlife
- Walter Blondel, Nancy University - CRAN, France
- Amir Gandjbakhche, National Institutes of Health, United States
- Sanathana Konugolu Venkata Sekar, Tyndall National Institute, Ireland
- Giulia Maffeis, Politecnico di Milano, Italy
- Bruno Montcel, Inst Natl des Sci Appliquees de Lyon
- Jonas Ogien, Damae Medical, France
- Frederic Pain, , France
- Angelo Pierangelo, Ecole Polytechnique, France
- Alexey Popov, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Finland
- Jessica Ramella-Roman, Florida International University, United States
Chairs
Anabela Da Silva
Fresnel Institut, France,
General Chair
Narasimhan Rajaram
University of Arkansas, United States,
General Chair
Davide Contini
Politecnico di Milano, Italy,
Program Chair
Arnaud Dubois
Institut d'Optique Graduate School, France,
Program Chair
Invited Speakers
- Stefan Andersson Engels, Tyndall National Institute, Ireland
Diffuse Optics to be Announced - Justin Baba, Vanderbilt University, United States
Intraoperative Nerve Imaging - Ishan Barman, Johns Hopkins University, United States
Raman Imaging and Deep Learning - Regine Choe, University of Rochester, United States
Monitoring Revascularization After Bone Injuries with Diffuse Optics - Mamadou Diop, Western University, Canada
Advances in Non-invasive Optical Monitoring of Cerebral and Peripheral Microcirculation in Translational Models of Sepsis and High Intracranial Pressure - Adam Eggebrecht, Washington University in St Louis, United States
Towards Multi-level Assessment of Brain Health at the Clinical Bedside with High-density Diffuse Optical Tomography - Muyinatu Lediju Bell, Johns Hopkins University, United States
Equitable Photoacoustic Imaging - Cécile Moro, CEA Grenoble, France
Photobiomodulation, an Innovative Treatment with Light to Slow Down Parkinson disease: from Bench to Bedside Story - Timothy Muldoon, University of Arkansas (Fayetteville), United States
Optical Imaging of Immune Cell Metabolism - Tatiana Novikova, Ecole Polytechnique, France
Polarization Imaging - Milind Rajadhyaksha, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, United States
Confocal Microscopy in Dermatology - Anna Yaroslavsky, University of Massachusetts Lowell, United States
Polarization Sensitive Optical Biopsy
Plenary Speakers
Peter Maurer
The University of Chicago, USA
Fluorescent-proteins: New generation of sensing qubits?
Optica Distinguished Lecture Series on Quantum Science and Technology
We demonstrate an optically addressable protein-based spin qubit encoded in the metastable triplet state of fluorescent protein. Our protein-qubit has coherence times rivaling NV centers in nanodiamonds but are roughly 10-times smaller and genetically encodable.
About the Speaker
Peter Maurer is an assistant professor at the University of Chicago. His research focuses on advancing quantum sensing techniques to probe the physical properties of biological processes with nanoscale resolution. Prior to joining the University of Chicago Peter completed his PhD training with Mikhail Lukin at Harvard and Steven Chu at Stanford.
Sophie Hernot
Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium
Enhancing Fluorescence Guided Surgery with Nanobodies and Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging
This presentation explores enhancing fluorescence-guided surgery with Nanobodies — targeted agents offering rapid pharmacokinetics and tumor specificity — and demonstrates how fluorescence lifetime imaging adds biological insights and reduces non-specific signals compared to conventional fluorescence methods.
About the Speaker
Sophie Hernot, a bioengineer with a PhD in Medical Sciences, is a leading professor in the Molecular Imaging and Therapy research group at Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium. Her research centers on developing, preclinically validating and clinically translating fluorescent and radiolabeled Nanobody-based tracers for image-guided applications. As the academic director of the In vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Core Facility, she also promotes the adoption of innovative imaging techniques across diverse research fields, enhancing in vivo understanding of biological processes.
Jerome Mertz
Boston University, United States
Pushing the Limits of Microscopy
No matter how good microscopes have become, there will always be a need for them to be better. I will describe various strategies to push the limits of microscopes for life science applications.
About the Speaker
Jerome Mertz received an AB in physics from Princeton University and a PhD in quantum optics from UC Santa Barbara and the University of Paris VI. Following postdoctoral studies at the University of Konstanz and at Cornell University, he became a CNRS research director at the Ecole Supérieure de Physique et de Chimie Industrielle in Paris. He is currently a professor of Biomedical Engineering at Boston University. His interests are in the development and applications of novel optical microscopy techniques for biological imaging. He is also author of a textbook titled Introduction to Optical Microscopy, 2nd Ed.
Elizabeth Hillman
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, USA
Maximizing the Impact of Biomedical Imaging and Microscopy
Optical methods are uniquely suited to mapping molecular and functional information across scales. From diffuse-imaging to super-resolution microscopy, how can we ensure that our work will lead to scientific breakthroughs and improvements in patient care?
About the Speaker
Dr. Elizabeth M.C. Hillman’s laboratory develops diverse optical imaging and microscopy techniques and applies them to studying the structure and function of the brain and other living tissues. She completed undergraduate and PhD training in Physics and Medical Physics at University College London. After post-doctoral work at Massachusetts General Hospital, she joined the faculty at Columbia University in 2006, where she is the Herbert and Florence Irving Professor in the Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, and the Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Radiology.
Special Events
Easter Egg Hunt
Sunday, 20 April 12:30 - 13:30
Join us for a fun-filled Easter Egg Hunt! Open to kids and conference attendees alike, this festive event promises surprises, sweet treats and springtime cheer for all ages.
Women in Optics Reception
Sunday, 20 April 17:00 - 18:00
This informal networking event brings together women in biophotonics — to meet other women in the field and discuss challenges and opportunities. All are welcome, regardless of gender. Please join Chairs Caroline Boudoux, Daniel Elson and members of the Optica Biophotonics Congress committee. Share your ideas to help ensure our community and this meeting is as welcoming and inclusive as possible.
Lunch & Learn: Mastering Productivity, Time Management & Transferable Skills for PhDs
Monday, 21 April 12:00 - 13:00
PhD students often develop valuable skills that go unrecognized when transitioning to industry. This session will provide practical strategies to maximize productivity, manage time effectively and identify transferable skills that set PhDs apart in the job market. Attendees will gain insights into overcoming academic challenges, applying their expertise beyond academia and leveraging essential tools to thrive in their careers.
Speaker:
Caroline Boudoux
Agenda:
- 12:00 PM – Introduction (5 min): Why mastering Chapter 5 is key to PhD success and career transitions.
- 12:05 PM – Productivity & Time Management (10 min): Eisenhower Matrix, 80/20 Rule, avoiding procrastination, work-life balance and efficient writing.
- 12:15 PM – Transferable Skills (15 min): Problem-solving, project management, data analysis, communication, adaptability and teamwork—how they apply in industry
- 12:30 PM – Productivity Tools (10 min): Notion, Trello, Pomodoro, research documentation and accountability partners.
- 12:40 PM – Q&A & Closing (10 min): Open discussion and career planning resources.
Who Should Attend?
PhD students, postdocs, and researchers looking to improve time management, boost efficiency and confidently transition into industry roles.
Takeaway
Walk away with actionable strategies to enhance productivity, reduce stress and leverage your PhD skills for career success.
Exploring Emerging Topics in Biophotonics: The Role of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
Monday, 21 April 18:45 - 20:30
In the recent decade, machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) have played an increasingly transformative role in biophotonics by enhancing data analysis, interpretation, and optimization of complex imaging and sensing. This event, hosted by Optica Technical Groups, will bring together a diverse group of panelists for an open discussion on the emerging role of ML and AI in advancing technologies across the biomedical field. As an attendee, you will gain insights into ways we can utilize ML and AI in the biomedical field, including recent advances, novel applications, good practices, limitations and opportunities. Following the panel discussion, you will have an opportunity to network with your colleagues.
Panelists:
- Muyinatu Bell, Johns Hopkins University
- Javier Jo, University of Oklahoma
- Shalin Mehta, Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Network
- Kyle Quinn, University of Arkansas
Sunrise Yoga
Tuesday, 22 April 06:00 - 07:30
Begin your day with a revitalizing sunrise yoga session, suitable for all levels. Enjoy light refreshments afterward as you embrace the tranquility of the morning.
Tickets can be purchased when registering for the meeting for USD 50.00.
Express Networking Lunch: 10X Your Connections in Biophotonics
Tuesday, 22 April 12:15 - 13:15
You are invited to join the Optica Technical Groups for this exciting networking session that will help you create new connections in a structured, time-efficient manner. The event starts with a 30-minute speed networking exercise, where you'll engage in 5-minute, rapid fire conversations with a diverse array of attendees. The second part of the program features lightning pitches from select participants. These one or two-minute presentations will showcase unexpected connections that have significantly impacted their careers, inspiring you to think creatively about leveraging your own network.
Congress Reception
Tuesday, 22 April 17:30 - 19:00
Join fellow attendees for the congress reception.
