NAT-Net Vanguard Symposium 2026
Leading the Future of Health Research
The Non-Animal Technologies Network (NAT-Net) invites you to NAT-Net Vanguard Symposium 2026: Leading the Future of Health Research – a one-day, hybrid symposium showcasing research that advances innovative non-animal technologies (NATs) and new approach methodologies (NAMs) in medicine and health.
Vanguard stands for Vision-led Advancement of Non-animal Guided Understanding for Advanced Research & Discovery.
This inaugural symposium will bring together researchers to share emerging evidence, explore methodological advances, and collectively accelerate the replacement, reduction, and refinement (3Rs) of animal use in research.
The program will feature scientific showcases, panel discussion, and rapid-fire presentations to spark dialogue, foster new collaborations, and highlight research with real-world translational potential.
Why Attend
- Discover new methods, tools, and data driving change in biomedical research.
- Engage with a cross-sector network of researchers, industry partners, and regulators shaping the future of human-relevant research.
- Contribute to a growing national conversation on ethical and innovative research practices.
To ensure meaningful interaction and discussion, in-person places are limited. Priority will be given to confirmed and participants based in NSW.
Please note that travel and accommodation support is not provided.
Program Overview
The symposium program will feature:
- Keynote presentations from thought leaders in non-animal technologies.
- Panel session on Complex in Vitro Models (CiVM).
- Rapid-fire scientific presentations.
- Poster presentations highlighting current research and innovations.
Call for Abstracts
NAT-Net Research Pillar Program Committee invites abstract submissions from academia, industry, and related sectors for 5-minute rapid-fire or poster presentations.
We welcome submissions highlighting:
- Novel or emerging NATs and NAMs.
- Evidence-based or translational research with relevance to human health.
- In vitro, in silico, or in chemico approaches.
A select number of abstracts will be selected. Accepted authors will be invited to present in person at the Sydney venue or live via Teams.
Presenting authors based outside NSW are encouraged to participate online. Authors not selected for a rapid-fire oral presentation may be offered a poster presentation.
Abstract Submission Guidelines
Please email the details below to the NAT-Net Coordinator: Esther.Pronker@health.nsw.gov.au before the deadline.
Each submission must include:
- Full name, email address, and institution or organisation
- Title (max 20 words) and abstract (max 300 words)
- Preferred presentation type: Rapid-fire (5 min), Poster, Open to any format
- Declaration of Conflict of interest: yes/no (if yes, specify briefly)
- Confirmation that the presenting author will attend in person/ live via Teams if selected.
All abstracts will undergo peer review by members of the NAT-Net Research Pillar Committee. Selection will consider scientific merit, relevance to symposium themes, and balanced representation across disciplines, states, and career stages.
Key Dates
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Abstract submissions open | Monday 2 March |
| Abstract submissions close | Monday 30 March, 12 PM AEDT |
| Authors will be notified of outcome | May |
| Symposium date | Mon 29 June |
Questions about the event
For event queries, please email the NAT-Net Coordinator: Esther.Pronker@health.nsw.gov.au
Acknowledgment
The NAT-Net Vanguard Symposium 2026 is organised by the NAT-Net Research Pillar with support from the NSW Office for Health and Medical Research.
Description: Human intestinal organoids grown from adult stem cells, self-organising into the crypt-villus architecture.
Source: A/Prof Shafagh Waters, Regeneration and Stem cell Translational Research Group, UNSW.
