After several years of working with zebrafish larvae, I was eager to participate in an international conference focused on zebrafish disease models. My goal was not only to share our intriguing findings on exocrine and beta cell interactions but also to connect with experts and learn about the latest technologies being applied in the zebrafish research community.

While researching opportunities, I found the International Zebrafish Society, which organizes regular international zebrafish conferences. However, due to visa issues and unexpected delays, attending the meeting in the USA became unfeasible. But as the saying goes, “When one door closes, another opens”.

I’m thrilled to share that I ended up attending the 18th International Zebrafish Conference in Japan instead! It turned out to be an incredible experience, full of insightful discussions and networking opportunities. Sometimes, the unexpected paths lead to the most rewarding journeys.

A gathering of minds: highlights from the 18th IZFC!

In August, Kyoto played host to the 18th International Zebrafish Conference, attracting around 600 researchers from diverse backgrounds. Participants included leading professors, postdocs, representatives from industrial companies, and experts in zebrafish research, imaging, and technology, as well as PhD students and technicians.

The conference covered a wide range of captivating themes, including early development, morphogenesis and patterning, cardiovascular systems, circuits and behavior, neurobiology, cell biology and multiple others. The engaging presentations and lively discussions fostered collaboration and innovative thinking among researchers and experts in the field.

Technologies shaping disease models

The conference featured a wealth of sessions, workshops, and posters dedicated to cutting-edge imaging technologies and their applications in zebrafish and disease models. This provided a fantastic opportunity to connect with new researchers and expand my professional network.

I was particularly captivated by Jennifer Li’s presentation on identifying spatial maps in live zebrafish, which shed light on the intriguing place cell networks in freely moving fish—truly fascinating!

Of course, anyone in the zebrafish research field knows Koichi Kawakami and his work with the Tol2 transposable element. It was a pleasure to meet him and learn about his latest research on a novel reporting system for activated neurons in zebrafish.

Another highlight was Christian Mosimann’s presentation about the pIGLET system and its developmental journey. As a young researcher, I found it exciting to hear that we can now achieve targeted integration for transgenic zebrafish, moving away from random genome integration. This shift opens new avenues for innovation. My conversation with Alexa Burger about her research on applying this system with regulatory elements was equally enlightening.

The conference was filled with brilliant minds and groundbreaking topics, making it an exceptional experience overall. Additionally, it was valuable to address some of the technical and logistical challenges facing the European zebrafish community, such as exchanging models, and potential solutions like sperm cryopreservation and the implications of CRISPR-Cas9 technology, especially within the context of European animal research regulations. Will these changes solve challenges to model exchange? It seems we can fertilize eggs or recreate models instead!

Zebrafish secrets: the exocrine and beta cell crosstalk

As part of my PhD journey, I am deeply invested in understanding the triggers of type 1 diabetes (T1D), which results from the autoimmune destruction of beta cells. The Islets of Langerhans, dispersed throughout the pancreas, are surrounded by enzyme-secreting exocrine cells. To explore the impact of damage to these exocrine cells on beta cell status and function, we developed a zebrafish model inducing exocrine ablation and utilizing various reporters for beta cells.

At the 18th IZFC I had the privilege of presenting our findings through a flash talk and poster session. It was an incredible experience to share our research with experts in the field, leading to fruitful discussions and valuable feedback.

Beyond the academic opportunities, I also had the chance to immerse myself in the beauty of Kyoto. The city's spiritual sites, stunning nature, and delicious cuisine made my visit truly unforgettable.

I want to thank my PI Ben Giepmans and colleagues and collaborators for their support and the organising committee for such great job. Overall, the conference was a remarkable blend of learning, collaboration, and cultural exploration.

Top image of Corinne Houart delivering the opening welcome at the 18th IZFC. All photos by Noura Faraj.