Participation in the International MPS Society
Microphysiological systems (MPS), also frequently referred to as “tissue chips” or “organs-on-chips” are in vitro platforms composed of cells, explants derived from tissues or organs, or organoid cell formations. The cells and tissues, which may be of human or animal origin, are maintained in a microenvironment that provides and supports the biochemical, electrical, and mechanical responses to model the specific properties that define the function of the organ or tissue of interest. Over the past decade, a broad variety of MPS models and systems have emerged. To facilitate the collaboration and cooperation needed to appropriately support further development and acceptance of MPS, international companies and organizations teamed up in 2021 to initiate annual MPS World Summits. These meetings present the latest scientific achievements, discuss advances and challenges, and enable communication between young and newly interested scientists and pioneers in the MPS field.
The World Summits are organized by the International MPS Society, which was established in 2023 to connect, exchange, and educate to promote the international standardization and harmonization of MPS, establish a global training environment, and maximize the potential of MPS to advance the life sciences. At the 2024 World Summit, NIST organized a “Workshop for Advancing Standards and Regulatory Science for MPS and Microfluidic-based Medical Products” that included members of the Microfluidics Association and members of the International MPS Society Standardization Interest Group. The 1½-day workshop gathered participants and speakers from over 15 countries and was attended by over 120 people. It covered a wide range of topics and featured 25 speakers discussing their work in areas of microfluidics-based medical devices as well as on research and standardization efforts in MPS.
The 2026 MPS World Summit will be held in Washington, DC, and scientists in the FDA Human Foods Program (HFP) are on the organizing committee.