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 17, 2026
Early Bird Registration: March 17, 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 17, 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.