The 11th Aquatic Model for Human Disease - PROJECT SUMMARY This conference centers on the development and application of aquatic animal models to study various aspects of human disease. Specifically, this meeting has focused on emerging systems in which to study developmental mechanisms and tools to approach biomedical and clinical research. Many aquatic animals have advantages and attributes that make them complementary and, in some cases, superior choices compared to mammalian models to investigate complex scientific questions. As such, the current arsenal of aquatic animal models plays important roles in advancing our understanding of the origins of human disease and contribute to the study of drug targets and tests associated with the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of disease. The Aquatic Models of Human Disease Conference (AQMHD) is the only conference that brings together discussion of multiple common and emerging models used to investigate the full range of human disease. The AQMHD meeting presents a wide range of innovative studies that leverage on unique aquatic models, methods and technologies that improve the conceptual understanding of the complexity of human disease. This year’s addition will focus on “Discovery Through Diversity” and will use this theme to both recruit new and more diverse investigators as well as new and more diverse models. Texas State University and the Xiphophorus Genetic Stock Center will host the 11th conference in this series in October 2024, bringing together researchers from the U.S. and around the world to engage in a program designed by recognized leaders in the field to provide state-of-the-art information on advances in the use of aquatic animals in biomedical research. This is an important opportunity to host this aquatic model conference in one of the United States fastest growing epicenters for biomedical research, the Texas IH-35 corridor. The dissemination of information, formal and informal engagement in discussion, and collaborative exchange of ideas will be achieved through a series of platform presentations, workshops, and poster sessions. New investigators, women investigators, investigators with disabilities and under- represented minorities will be actively recruited to participate in this meeting through mechanisms such as travel awards and a dedicated workshop. An important outcome of this meeting is to provide new investigators with ideas, background, and mentoring required to improve the quality of grant applications submitted to multiple NIH institutes, and to promote the building of novel tools for development of therapies and an understanding of disease etiology.
