From the Laboratory to the Clinic: Complex pathogenesis of disease

From the Laboratory to the Clinic is an annual translational research conference established in 1984, held at Trinity College, Oxford.

The conference brings together an international mix of basic scientists, clinicians, and industry researchers to explore how the latest discoveries in immunology and molecular medicine can be applied to improve clinical medicine.

Understanding the pathogenesis of disease underpins successful attempts at therapy. We now  have remarkable tools to understand pathogenesis, and in the 2026 conference will highlight four areas where major advances have been made, but much more is needed to reach cures. 

Until recently type 2 diabetes and obesity seemed unsurmountable challenges but exceptional research and translation has reversed the tide. Advances in metabolism leading to new therapies in diabetes and obesity, having unexpected benefits in other diseases, will be discussed by the pioneers in this field. Other forms of metabolism are also impacting health and understanding immune cell metabolism will be discussed.  

We co-exist with a wide range of microbes, some that are health promoting, others that promote problems. Recent advances in microbial involvement in non-infectious disease will be explored.  

Neurodegeneration in its many forms is a major challenge. The “conventional” amyloid related approaches need to be supplemented by others to yield therapeutic progress, and some newer  approaches will be discussed.

While studying mechanisms of tissue damage has yielded  significant benefit in many diseases, the important topic of tissue repair is harder to study but is making progress. Several aspects will be discussed, as they apply to heart disease as well as  musculoskeletal.  

The meeting will be in-person and streamed live online.

The conference begins with lunch at 13:00 on Tuesday 1st September and finishes with lunch on Friday 4th September.

The main conference dinner is on Wednesday 2nd September at the Museum of Natural History, Oxford. 

The conference is organised by an international committee led by past and present Directors of the Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Profs Sir Marc Feldmann, Sir Ravinder Maini and Dame Fiona Powrie.

Conference Organising Committee

Prof. Sir M. Feldmann, Prof. Sir R.N. Maini, Prof. Sir A. McMichael, Dr T. Daniel, Prof. M. Maini, Prof. Dame F. Powrie, Dr L. Steinman, Dr J. Woody, Dr R. Vessey, Prof. G. Ogg, Dr M. Merad, Prof. V. Malmström. 

We look forward to welcoming you to Oxford!