First Pleven Symposium on Regenerative and Translational Medicine
From 16 to 18 April 2026, the Medical University of Pleven hosted the First Pleven Symposium on Regenerative and Translational Medicine, a high-profile international scientific forum that firmly positioned Pleven on the global map of regenerative and translational research. The symposium was held under the patronage of the Rector of MU–Pleven, Prof. Dobromir Dimitrov.
The event brought together leading scientists, researchers, young investigators, and students working in the fields of regenerative medicine, biomaterials, stem cells, mechanobiology, and tissue engineering. The rich scientific program comprised 12 invited lectures, 31 oral scientific presentations, and 24 poster contributions, attracting participants from eight countries and more than twenty scientific and educational institutions.
A major highlight of the symposium was the plenary lectures delivered by internationally renowned scientists with outstanding scientific impact, including Prof. Abhay Pandit (University of Galway, Ireland) and Prof. João Mano (University of Aveiro, Portugal). Their pioneering research in biomaterials and regenerative therapies, widely recognized for its strong translational potential, set an exceptional scientific standard for the forum.
The keynote program featured distinguished experts such as Prof. Thomas Groth (Germany), Prof. Denitsa Docheva (Germany), Prof. Iva Pashkuleva (Portugal), Prof. María Rosa Aguilar de Armas (Spain), Michaela Schulz‑Siegmund (Germany), Prof. Yannis Missirlis (Greece), Prof. Georgi Altankov (Medical University of Pleven), and Christian Schmelzer (Germany). All keynote speakers are recognized for their high scientific impact and substantial contributions to stem cell biology, mechanobiology, and tissue regeneration.
According to testimonials from the invited speakers, the symposium was exceptionally well organized, characterized by a friendly and stimulating scientific atmosphere and presentations of world-class scientific quality. The discussions were lively and constructive, fostering inspiration and laying the groundwork for future international collaborations and joint research projects.
A particularly strong impression was made by the active participation of young scientists and medical students, underlining the educational and motivational role of the event. On the final day, a hands-on practical course in regenerative medicine was held, focusing on work with mesenchymal stem cells and aimed specifically at early-career researchers and students.
During the closing session, four awards for outstanding poster presentations were presented, with the first prize awarded to Desislava K. Tsoneva.
The First Pleven Symposium on Regenerative and Translational Medicine reaffirmed the role of Pleven as an emerging international platform for high-quality scientific exchange and cooperation in this rapidly developing field. The Organizing Committee extends its sincere gratitude to all participants for their shared knowledge, ideas, and enthusiasm and looks forward to the next edition of the symposium. []
The symposium was organized by Prof. Thomas Groth, Prof. Regina Komsa‑Penkova, and Prof. Georgi Altankov.
Organizing Committee
Резюме за Първия плевенски симпозиум по регенеративна и транслационна медицина
В периода 16–18 април 2026 г. Медицински университет – Плевен беше домакин на Първия плевенски симпозиум по регенеративна и транслационна медицина, който се утвърди като значимо научно събитие с международен отзвук. Симпозиумът се проведе под патронажа на ректора на МУ–Плевен проф. Добромир Димитров.
Форумът събра водещи учени, изследователи и млади специалисти в областта на регенеративната медицина, биоматериалите, стволовите клетки и тъканното инженерство. Научната програма включваше 12 поканени лектори, 31 устни научни доклада и 24 постерни презентации, с участници от 8 държави и повече от 20 научни и образователни институции.
Особен акцент в програмата бяха пленарните лекции, изнесени от учени с изключително висок международен научен престиж, висок H-index и хиляди цитирания в реномирани научни списания. Сред тях се откроиха Prof. Abhay Pandit (University of Galway, Ирландия) и Prof. João Mano (University of Aveiro, Португалия), световно признати лидери в областта на биоматериалите и регенеративните терапии, чиито изследвания имат значим транслационен потенциал.
Ключови (keynote) лекции бяха изнесени от утвърдени учени като Prof. Thomas Groth (Германия), Prof. Denitsa Docheva (Германия), Prof. Iva Pashkuleva (Португалия), Prof. María Rosa Aguilar de Armas (Испания), Michaela Schulz-Siegmund ( Германия), Prof. Yannis Missirlis (Гърция), проф. Георги Алтанков (MU-Pleven), Christian Schmelzer (Германия), всички с висок H-index и съществен принос към механобиологията, стволовит (Германия) е клетки и тъканната регенерация.
Според мнението на поканените лектори симпозиумът е бил изключително добре организиран, с приятелска и стимулираща атмосфера, а научното ниво на презентациите – на световно равнище, предизвикващо активни дискусии и вдъхновение за бъдещи съвместни проекти. Силно впечатление направи широкото участие на млади учени и студенти по медицина, което подчерта образователната и мотивационна роля на събитието.
В последния ден се проведе практически курс по регенеративна медицина, насочен към млади изследователи и студенти, с фокус върху работа с мезенхимни стволови клетки. Бяха връчени четири награди за постерни презентации, като първа награда беше присъдена на Десислава Цонева.
Симпозиумът затвърди ролята на Плевен като нова международна платформа за висококачествен научен обмен и сътрудничество в областта на регенеративната и транслационната медицина. Благодарим на всички участници за споделените знания, идеи и енергия и очакваме с нетърпение следващото издание.
Симпозиумът беше организиран от проф. Thomas Groth, проф. Регина Комса-Пенкова и проф. Георги Алтанков
Организационен Комитет.
Thank you emails
|
Dear Regina, dear George, dear Thomas, Thank you very much for your kind message. I truly enjoyed the symposium—warm hospitality, excellent organization, and a great atmosphere for scientific exchange. Congratulations to you and everyone involved on a very successful event, and thank you for having me as part of it. I’d be happy to stay in touch and would be delighted to join again in the future. Warm regards, |
Dear Prof. Groth and Members of the Organizing Committee,
|
|
Dear Thomas, Regina and George, It was a great pleasure and honor to be your guest in Pleven. I enjoyed the conference very much. Thanks a lot for the wonderful days with valuable discussions. With kind regards, Prof. Michaela Schulz-Siegmund |
Prof. Yanis Missirlis Dear Regina, Thomas, George, and your team, I thank you for your kind hospitality and the lively engagement of all participants in the Symposium's deliberations. I wish you good health and looking forward for the second one! Best wishes, Prof. Yannis Missirlis |
|
Congratulations on the symposium. It was absolutely world-class. I was very pleasantly surprised and proud of the work of your team. Dr. Nikolay Tsaribashev |
The inaugural Pleven Symposium will be held under the patronage of the Rector of MU-Pleven
The Symposium on Regenerative and Translational Medicine, hosted by Pleven Medical University, will convene international experts to present and discuss advances in stem cell biology, biomaterials, mechanotransduction, and translational strategies for clinical application. Particular emphasis will be placed on the role of stem cells in regenerative therapies, highlighting their potential to address challenges in aging, diabetes, and tissue repair.
This meeting underscores our scientific community’s dedication to fostering exchange and promoting the integration of fundamental research into clinical practice.
Symposium Chairmen:
Thomas Groth
George Altankov
Key Topics Include:
Mechanistic insights into cell-driven tissue regeneration
Design and application of biomaterial-based microenvironments
Role of mesenchymal stem cells in pathological and tumor contexts
Translational strategies and clinical integration of MSC therapies
Emerging biomaterials derived from unconventional biological sources
Plenary Speakers
Keynote Speakers
Program Highlights
Plenary Lectures
Biomaterials with distinct levels of cell contents
João Mano (PT)
Engineering Biomaterial-Driven Regeneration: Uncovering the Impact of Glycosylation
Abhay Pandit (IE)
Keynote Lectures
Polysaccharide-based bioactive films for directing cell activity in regenerative medicine
Thomas Groth (DE)
Characterization of Stem Cell–Secretome-Integrated Hybrid PLCL Nanofibers: Implications for Regenerative Medicine.
George Altankov (BG)
Translating Tendon Biology into Regenerative Therapies
Denitsa Docheva (DE)
Mechano-chemical information in cells and emergent properties in multicellular organisms”
Yannis Missirlis (GR)
Polymeric Biomaterials: Versatile Systems for Multiple Medical Applications
María Rosa Aguilar de Armas (ES)
Beyond heparin: hemocompatible coatings for blood-contacting devices
Iva Pashkuleva (PT)
3D bioprinting - high hopes for tissue repair.
Viktoria Sarafian (BG)
Elastin-Inspired Biomaterials: From Molecular Microstructure to Translational Scaffolds
Prof. Christian Schmelzer (DE)
Therapeutic siRNA-guided differentiation and crosstalk in bone regeneration
Prof. Michaela Schulz-Siegmund (DE)
Uncovering the Biological Properties of Dental Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Assoc. Prof. Nikolay Ishkitiev (BG)
Posters
The Poster Zone will feature new and exciting research. Come along to learn, network with your peers and forge new collaborations.
The poster authors will be stood by their posters in the morning break on day 1 to answer your questions. However, you can review posters at any point during the Symposium.
Who Should Attend
- Stem Cell Researchers & Scientists
- Biologists (Cellular, Molecular, Developmental)
- Geneticists & Gene Therapy Specialists
- Clinicians, Physicians & Healthcare Professionals
- Pharmacologists
- Biotech & Pharmaceutical Industry Leaders
- Graduate Students & Postdoctoral Fellows
- Academics
Registration
We look forward to welcoming you to Pleven for this exciting scientific gathering. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with global leaders and emerging voices shaping the future of stem cell therapy.
Deadlines
Conference Dates: April 16-18, 2026
Abstract Submission Deadline: March 23, 2026
Early Bird Registration: March 23, 2026
Registration for the Symposium includes registration for a Workshop/Practical Course.
Registration for a Workshop/Practical includes one-day registration to the Symposium.
Registration Fees
Participants Submission Deadline | Early Registration | Regular | On-site |
|---|---|---|---|
Undergraduate and PHD students | 70 € | 100 € | 120 € |
Academic / Researcher / Clinician | 200 € | 250 € | 270 € |
Practical Course | Registration |
|---|---|
Undergraduate and PHD students | 50 € |
Academic / Researcher / Clinician | 75 € |
The registration fee must be transferred to the following bank account of the Medical University of Pleven:
Bank Name: UBB - BRANCH PLEVEN
Аddress: 3 Kosta Hadjipakev Street, Pleven
BIC: UBBSBGSF
Bank account in EURO: IBAN BG98 UBBS 8888 3118 3072 00
Please add for payment details: SymposiumPSRTM
Abstract Submission Guide
Invitation for Abstract Submission
The Organising Committee of Pleven Symposium of Regenerative and Translational Medicine, held 16-18 April 2026, invites you to submit an abstract for the opportunity to present your research as an oral or a poster presentation.
Abstract submission has been extended to March 23, 2026, 23:59 (CET).
Abstracts will be reviewed by the Scientific Committee and selected for oral/poster presentation on the basis of merit.
Submitted abstracts must be:
- Submitted through online submission system only.
- In English
- Include substantive results, whether experimental, calculated, or theoretical.
Abstract Template:
Title
Names of the authors
Affiliation (institution, city and country)
Text, including:
- Short background
- Materials and Methods
- Results
- Discussion and Conclusion
- Keywords
The abstract should be limited to a maximum of 400 words, excluding the title, the names of the authors, and their affiliations.
An email confirming the receipt of abstract will be sent to the submitting author.
To submit an abstract, click HERE
Presented abstracts will be included in the Symposium Abstract Book in HTML / PDF format.
The email address used to log into the submission site will receive updates and information about your submission.
Please contact the “Contact person” psrtm.org-2026@mu-pleven.bg with any questions about the abstract.
Patronage
Transportation
Transportation from Sofia to Pleven
From Sofia Airport to Sofia Bus/Train Stations
By metro: https://www.sofiaairport.bg
Yellow Taxi: +359 2 91119
OK Taxi: +359 2 973 2121
From Sofia Bus/Train Stations To Pleven Bus/Train Stations
By train: https://www.bdz.bg
By bus: https://www.centralnaavtogara.bg
In addition to regular transportation, a shuttle bus from Sofia Airport to University of Pleven will be available on 15th and 16th Apr.
Transportation from Pleven bus or railway station to MU-Pleven
Public transport
You can use public transport number 5 or 9 from the station for 4 stops to MU-Pleven.
The stop is located opposite the train/bus station.
Orion taxi
+359 64/ 805 555
+359 878/ 54 00 00
Svetlina
+359 64 828 989
Catering
Coffee breaks
Lunch Basket
16th Apr - 19.00 - Opening Cocktail
17th Apr - 19.00 - Official Dinner
Pleven weather in April 2026
In April, the weather is pretty cold; the temperatures in Pleven range from 8°C to 18°C, so warm clothes are a must.
You can expect some rain, so it’s a good idea to bring your umbrella so you don’t get caught out.