Building Bridges in Neuroscience: Highlights from SfN 2024

This meeting brought together nearly 30,000 neuroscientists and industry professionals from around the world and provided an enriching experience both professionally and personally.

Strengthening Partnerships and Business Strategies

The conference was a fantastic opportunity for Eline to meet with several of our partners, including Biorbyt, Bioss Antibodies, Bio X Cell, Boster Bio, BrainXell, GeneTex, Cell Guidance Systems, Reddot Biotech and the recently added Axol Biosciences. The opportunity to meet with these partners proved invaluable for discussing strategies to grow and develop business in the Benelux region. In-person interactions facilitate a deeper understanding and collaboration, which is essential for strengthening partnerships and exploring new opportunities. The discussions were both insightful and focused on innovative solutions and shared goals that align with our vision for the future.

Key Scientific Discussions: Iba1 and Tau

A significant portion of the discussions focused on key scientific targets in neuroscience, particularly Iba1 and tau. Iba1 is a critical biomarker of microglial activation and plays an important role in understanding neuroinflammation, a hallmark of many neurodegenerative diseases. The partners shared the latest advances in Iba1 detection methods, which are essential for both basic research and potential clinical applications. Tau protein, known for its involvement in tauopathies such as Alzheimer’s disease, was also an important topic. The challenges and opportunities in developing tau-targeted therapies were explored, with a focus on strategies to inhibit tau phosphorylation and aggregation. These discussions highlighted the importance of these targets in advancing the understanding and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Cultural Connections and Future Collaborations

One of the highlights of Eline’s visit was sharing a piece of culture with everyone she met. She brought miniature klompen (Dutch for those iconic little wooden shoes) to each meeting, a gesture that was warmly received and inspired many delightful conversations. These small tokens served as a charming reminder of her Dutch roots and the unique identity that comes with working together. She even considered bringing wooden clogs in her actual shoe size next time.

Overall, the SfN meeting was a success, providing a platform to strengthen existing relationships and forge new ones. It reinforced the importance of personal connections in business and the value of cultural exchange. Eline looks forward to continuing these conversations and exploring the exciting opportunities that lie ahead for the Benelux business.

If you would like to learn more about her experience or if you would like to explore potential partnership opportunities with Bio-Connect, please do not hesitate to contact Eline (vanalfen@bio-connect.nl) to discuss these options.