Optical Molecular Probes, Imaging and Drug Delivery (OMP)
Events
Optical Molecular Probes, Imaging and Drug Delivery (OMP)
21 – 24 April 2025
Coronado, California, USA
Focuses on the convergence in these rapidly evolving areas, spanning from basic biology to clinical diagnostics and therapeutic applications.
This multidisciplinary topical meeting will highlight recent advances in these rapidly evolving areas with a goal of stimulating novel strategies for molecular probe development, site-specific drug delivery, monitoring treatment response and clinical translation to improve diagnosis or treatment of diseases.
Areas to be covered include, but are not limited to, novel molecular probe design, applications of smart molecular probes in basic and applied research, endogenous and exogenous optical molecular biomarkers, multimodal imaging, advances in instrumentation and algorithms for optical molecular imaging, molecular and functional imaging of normal and diseased tissue, image-guided drug delivery, drug screening and monitoring therapeutic response.
Broad participation by experts, postdoctoral fellows and students is expected and encouraged.
Optica Quantum 2.0 Conference and Exhibition
Topic Categories
Specific topics of interest include:
- Imaging and Sensing of Biomolecular Processes and Pathways
- Macroscopic optical/tomographic imaging
- Advanced microscopy techniques (multiphoton, SHG, FRET, FLIM, SRS, pump-probe, CARS, SWIR, etc.)
- Photo/opto-acoustics, diffuse reflectance imaging
- Quantitative phase imaging
- Vibrational imaging
- Reporters and Contrast Agents
- Luminescence and bioluminescence imaging
- Endogenous contrast
- Genetically encodable probes
- Fluorescent molecular probes
- Nanoparticle probes
- Advanced Optical Molecular Imaging Instrumentation and Methods
- Assays
- Pre-clinical
- Clinical prototypes (in-vivo/intra-cavital)
- Surgical microscopes
- Novel Tools and Approaches, Including ML- and AI-driven Techniques, for Data Analysis and Image Reconstruction
- Optical Imaging and Monitoring of Drug Delivery
- Specific delivery and localization
- Action of drugs
- Contrast agents
- Dosimetry in photodynamic, radio and chemotherapies
- Fluorescent Phantoms and Quantitative Validation Methods
- Multi-Modal Molecular Imaging Techniques
- Combinations of optics with MRI, X-ray, radioligands, ultrasound, etc.
- Multi-scale optical imaging
- FILM, FRET, OCT, Raman and CARS
- Pre-Clinical Applications of Optical Molecular Imaging and Spectroscopy
- Clinical Translation of Optical Molecular Imaging, Spectroscopy and Image Guide Surgery and Therapy
Committee Members
- Susanne Kossatz, Technische Universität Munchen, Germany, General Chair
- Srivalleesha Mallidi, Tufts University, United States, General Chair
- Kenneth Tichauer, Illinois Institute of Technology, United States, General Chair
- Stefan Andersson Engels, Tyndall National Institute, Ireland, Program Chair
- Fay Nicolson, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, United States, Program Chair
- Alba Alfonso Garcia, University of California Davis, United States
- Mekhail Anwar, University of California San Francisco
- Michael Bouvet, University of California San Diego
- Oliver Bruns, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Jim Delikatny, , United States
- Allison Dennis, Boston University
- Sylvain Gioux, Intuitive Surgical, Switzerland
- Katarzyna Komolibus, Tyndall National Institute, Ireland
- Ethan LaRochelle, QUEL Imaging, United States
- Frédéric Leblond, Polytechnique Montréal, Canada
- Malini Olivo, A*STAR Skin Research Lab
- Stephan Rogalla, Stanford University, United States
Chairs
Susanne Kossatz
Technische Universität Munchen, Germany,
General Chair
Srivalleesha Mallidi
Tufts University, United States,
General Chair
Kenneth Tichauer
Illinois Institute of Technology, United States,
General Chair
Stefan Andersson Engels
Tyndall National Institute, Ireland,
Program Chair
Fay Nicolson
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, United States,
Program Chair
Invited Speakers
- Mekhail Anwar, University of California San Francisco,
Chip-scale Fluorescence Imaging - Guiding Therapy at the Cellular Scale from Intraoperative to Implantable - Ali Azhdarinia, UT Health Science Center at Houston, United States
Translational Development of A Fluorescent Somatostatin Analog for Intraoperative Imaging in Neuroendocrine Tumors - Michael Bouvet, University of California San Diego,
The Use of Fluorescence Imaging in Endocrine Surgery - Oliver Bruns, Massachusetts Institute of Technology,
Biomedical Imaging beyond the Visible - Fluorescence and Raman Imaging in the Shortwave-Infrared - Jim Delikatny, , United States
Targeted NIR Fluorescent Dyes for Intraoperative Lung Cancer Visualization - Daniel Elson, Imperial College London, United Kingdom
Intraoperative Spectroscopic Imaging - Rekha Gautam, Tyndall National Institute, Ireland
Bone Quality Assessment Through Turbid Media - Summer Gibbs, Oregon Health and Science University, United States
Near Infrared Contrast Agents to Improve Clinical Medicine - Dimitris Gorpas, Helmholtz Zentrum München GmbH, Germany
Fluorescence Molecular Endoscope for Early Detection of Esophageal Cancer - Maryam Hajfathalian, New Jersey Institute of Technology, United States
Photoacoustic Imaging in Disease Diagnosis: From Vascular Conditions to Biofilm-Associated Infections - Sanathana Konugolu Venkata Sekar, Tyndall National Institute,
Novel Anthropomorphic and Structured Phantoms for Spectroscopy and Imaging: Solutions Covering Microscopic to Macroscopic Applications - Ethan LaRochelle, QUEL Imaging, United States
Accelerating Clinical Translation and Promoting Standardization in Imaging: The Power of Phantoms - Frédéric Leblond, Polytechnique Montréal, Canada
Title to be Annonced - Thinzar Lwin, City of Hope, United States
Optimizing the Pharmacokinetics of Fluorescent Antibody Probes for Optical Surgical Navigation - Laura Marcu, University of California Davis, United States
FLIM in Neurosurgery - Brian Pogue, University of Wisconsin-Madison,
Imaging Skin and Lymph Dynamics in Vivo with Endogenous Hypoxia Contrast - Stephan Rogalla, Stanford University, United States
Optical Imaging Modalities to Enhance Precision in Invasive Medical Procedures - Kimberley Samkoe, Dartmouth College, United States
Quantitative in Vivo Molecular Imaging with Fluorescence Paired-agent Imaging - Martin Schnermann, National Cancer Institute, United States
Tracking the Fate of Antibody Conjugates Using Purpose-Built Optical Probes - Lingyan Shi, University of California San Diego,
Multimodal Nanoscopy for Studying Metabolism in Aging and Diseases
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.
