The Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Science and Technology (iBEST) invites you to join us for the 2025 iBEST Symposium, a full-day in-person event that brings together leading researchers, clinicians, industry professionals and trainees to explore the latest advancements in biomedical innovation.
This year’s symposium on Innovative Biomedical Solutions for Organ Injury will feature expert presentations and trainee-led sessions in three transformative areas:
Advances in Drug Delivery Technologies
The Role of Translational Models in Biomedical Innovation
Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Research
Event Details
Theme: Innovative Biomedical Solutions for Organ Injury
Date: Friday, May 16, 2025
Location: Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, 209 Victoria St, Toronto, ON
Time: 8:30 AM – 4:15 PM
Contact: ibest@torontomu.ca
Featured Speakers
Dr. Kathryn Whitehead
Professor, Chemical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University
Biography
Dr. Kathryn Whitehead is an internationally recognized leader in drug delivery research, developing systems for RNA, protein and maternal-infant health applications. Her lab develops drug delivery systems for RNA, proteins, and applications in maternal and infant health. She is the recipient of numerous awards, including the NIH Director’s New Innovator Award and the DARPA Director’s Fellowship. Professor Whitehead is an elected Fellow of the AIMBE and the Controlled Release Society, and she gave a TED talk on the nanoparticles used in the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. Her publications have been cited over 10,000 times, and her patents have been licensed for reagent and therapeutic use.
Dr. Mohsen Akbari
Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria
Biography
Dr. Mohsen Akbari specializes in micro- and nanotechnologies for biomedical applications, including tissue engineering, organ-on-chip systems and microfluidics. His research bridges engineering and medicine to develop biomimetic platforms for regenerative medicine, disease modelling and high-throughput drug screening. With a background in fluid dynamics and biomaterials, professor Akbari leads an interdisciplinary team advancing biofabrication and translational biomedical innovation. He is recognized for his contributions to scalable, personalized health-care technologies and is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of biomedical engineers.
Dr. Mamatha Bhat
Hepatologist and Clinician-Scientist, Ajmera Transplant Centre, University Health Network; Scientist, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute; Associate Professor, Medicine, University of Toronto
Biography
Dr. Mamatha Bhat is an expert in liver transplantation and precision medicine. Her research integrates artificial intelligence and multi-omics data to improve long-term transplant outcomes. She has authored over 170 publications in top journals including Lancet Digital Health, JAMA Surgery, and Journal of Hepatology, and has received numerous awards, including the 2024 William Goldie Prize and the 2021 AST Basic Science Career Development Award. Professor Bhat also serves as Director of the Clinician-Scientist Training Program at the University of Toronto, and as the Partnerships and Engagement Lead at T-CAIREM. She is a national leader in AI-driven transplant research, advancing the future of precision medicine in liver care.
2025 iBEST Symposium Agenda Highlights
8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Registration and Breakfast
9:00 a.m – 9:15 a.m
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Session 1: Advances in Drug Delivery Technologies
9:15 a.m – 10:00 a.m.
Featured Presentation and Q&A
Dr. Kathryn Whitehead
Professor, Chemical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University
10:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m
Trainee Presentations and Q&A
10:45 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Coffee Break & Networking
Session 2: The Role of Translational Models in Biomedical Innovation
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Feature Presentation and Q&A
Dr. Mohsen Akbari
Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria
12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Trainee Presentations and Q&A
12:30 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.
Lunch
1:15 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Trainee Poster Competition Showcase
Session 3: Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence In Biomedical Research
2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Feature Presentation and Q&A
Dr. Mamatha Bhat (MD)
Hepatologist and Clinician-Scientist, Ajmera Transplant Centre, University Health Network; Scientist, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute; Associate Professor, Medicine, University of Toronto
3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Trainee Presentations and Q&A
3:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Presentations BMZ Innovation Award
4:00 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
Award Announcements and Closing Remarks
Trainee Competitions
Trainees are invited to participate in the Trainee Presentation Competition and Poster Competition, with opportunities to win monetary prizes and showcase their work to experts across clinical, academic and research domains.
Learn more and submit your entry for the Trainee Poster and Presentation Competitions
Contact Us
For more information about the symposium, contact ibest@torontomu.ca.
We look forward to welcoming you to the 2025 iBEST Symposium, where ideas meet impact.
View Past iBEST Symposia
© 2023 iBEST | Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Science and Technology