Ferroptosis, Oxidative Stress, and Lipid Metabolism - The inaugural FASEB Summer Research Conference on Ferroptosis, Oxidative Stress, and Lipid Metabolism will comprehensively survey the rapidly evolving field of ferroptosis. Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death characterized by oxidative damage to membrane lipids. Current research focuses on identifying new small molecule tools and therapeutics to induce and inhibit ferroptosis, discovering genetic regulators of ferroptosis in different cell types and pathological conditions, and exploring how ferroptosis contributes to normal physiology and the pathology of diseases such as cancer and neurodegeneration. The disease connections and therapeutic potential of ferroptosis have garnered significant interest from scientists in academic and biotechnology sectors. It is therefore important to have appropriate forums to advance understanding of ferroptosis and discuss emerging controversies and challenges. This conference will take place from July 27-31, 2025, in Scottsdale, AZ, and is the first ferroptosis conference series in North America focused on advancing understanding of ferroptosis. The conference will include two keynote addresses from leaders in ferroptosis and oxidative stress: Drs. Brent Stockwell (Columbia University) and Gina DeNicola (Moffitt Cancer Center). The conference will feature an exceptional speaker line-up focused on cutting-edge research, including seven sessions with talks by 21 invited speakers, 4 late-breaking speakers, 16 short talks selected from submitted abstracts, 2 poster sessions, 20 flash talks highlighting poster presenters, a Career Development Workshop, and several Meet the Experts sessions. The meeting will foster a collaborative environment through formal interaction mechanisms (e.g., “Meet the Experts” and networking sessions), and efforts to engage attendees in providing feedback on talks and presentations. This meeting will facilitate interactions across career stages to advance scientific collaboration. Confirmed speakers study various aspects of ferroptosis, including (but not limited to) developing small molecule tools and therapeutics, understanding biochemical and cellular mechanisms, and defining connections with disease pathogenesis. A central goal of this conference is to engage the next generation of scientists by offering opportunities for graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, early-career investigators, and newcomers to participate and present their work. The conference venue was selected to foster opportunities for both planned and spontaneous informal interactions, providing scientists with platforms to present research, receive feedback from field leaders, and gain career guidance. Dedicated exclusively to the investigation of ferroptosis and its implications in human disease, this international conference serves as a unique platform for researchers to exchange ideas and showcase pioneering discoveries in this dynamic, rapidly advancing field.
