On October 15, 2026, the Baclesse Center hosted the annual meeting of the RIBBON national network ( National Network of Organoid Production Platforms and Biobanks). About thirty participants from all over France gathered to share their expertise and strengthen their collaborations regarding the development and use of organoids in biomedical research.
A day of discussion and scientific collaboration
After a pleasant evening by the sea, members of the platforms and Biological Resource Centers (CRBs) associated with the RIBBON network gathered to discuss the broad strategic directions and actions to be taken in the coming months.
The program includes: making organoid models available to the scientific community, sharing expertise, providing training, improving quality assurance processes, and strengthening communication and collaboration with other research networks.
Organoids are three-dimensional cellular structures grown in the laboratory that closely resemble certain characteristics of an organ or a tumor. They serve as particularly valuable models for gaining a better understanding of diseases, studying their progression, and evaluating new therapeutic approaches.
Exploring the Technology Platforms Based in Baclesse
This meeting also gave participants the opportunity to tour the facilities at the ORGAPRED and the associated technology platforms of the PLATON Services Unit at the University of Caen Normandy, housed at the Baclesse Center: ImpedanCELL, IsoCELL, and Virtual’His.
The discussions focused in particular on several innovative technologies: the automation of organoid culture, high-throughput 3D imaging, and the sorting of large particles.
This equipment and expertise contribute to the development of advanced experimental models that support medical research and innovation.
A Network Dedicated to Research
Organized with the support of GIS IBiSA, Caen la Mer, and Hamilton, the event was attended by, among others, Bruno Robert, director of GIS IBiSA, and Vincent Flacher, head of the Inserm-CNRS “Organoids” thematic network.
It highlighted the vitality of the RIBBON network and the close ties that bind its members, all united by a common goal: to facilitate access to organoid technologies and models in order to advance scientific and medical research.
The RIBBON network would like to thank all participants, partners, and contributors who helped make this event a success.
The next annual conference will be held in the fall of 2027 at another location within the network. Until then, discussions will continue each month through the webinar workshops organized by RIBBON.
