• The Workshop on Additive Biofabrication (WAB2024) aims to promote collaborations and scientific advances in the world of 3D printing for biomedical applications.
• The event is an initiative of five IMDEA Materials researchers and features internationally renowned speakers in the fields of regenerative medicine and biomaterials.

IMDEA Materials Institute is set to host the first-ever Workshop on Additive Biofabrication (WAB2024), a pioneering event in Spain that will bring together international experts in the field in Madrid.

Organised by five of the institute’s researchers, the workshop, which will take place over the next two days, is the first of its kind in Spain. It marks an important milestone for the country in this research area.

Additive biofabrication emerged in the early 21st century as an evolution of 3D printing applied to medicine.

Initially, it was used to manufacture personalised prosthetics and medical devices, but with advancements in tissue engineering and biomaterials, it has evolved into the creation of living tissues and artificial organs, revolutionising the field of regenerative medicine.

“Additive manufacturing is truly in its prime,” said Dr. Jesús Ordoño, one of the event’s organisers.

“These technologies are currently being harnessed for numerous biomedical applications, including right here at IMDEA Materials where we are achieving very exciting advances.”

“Whether it’s printing personalised cardiovascular implants, regenerating tissues, or developing intelligent medical devices, to name just three examples, the possibilities are endless,” he added.

Dr. Ordoño is one of the researchers behind the initiative, along with Drs. Pedro Navarrete, Pedro Díaz Payno, Adrián Bouzas and Viktoriia Sevostianova.

WAB2024 promises to offer a unique opportunity for students and researchers to learn about the latest developments in this field and to establish collaborations that will drive new projects.

Despite being the first edition, the event already features internationally renowned researchers such as Drs. Elisabeth Engel, Daniel Kelly and Alejandro Sánchez, recognised as world leaders in 3D printing applied to regenerative medicine and biomaterials.

“We have received significant international interest, with over 80 attendees expected from up to 10 different countries,” said Dr. Ordoño. “This also includes strong representation from industry, academia, and research.”

“We are also very pleased to have such high-level speakers, which highlights the importance of this event for the sector”.

As one of the leading research centres in advanced materials development in Spain, IMDEA Materials is playing an increasingly prominent role in the field of additive biofabrication. The institute actively participates in several innovative projects in this field, both at the European and national levels.

“At IMDEA Materials, we are working to optimise these technologies to produce personalised biomedical components that improve patient quality of life,” Ordoño concluded.

For more information on the Workshop on Additive Biofabrication 2024, visit https://wab2024.com/.