Biologically Active Components of Human Milk

2027 FASEB Science Research Conference

July 26-29, 2027
Sheraton Niagara Falls, Niagara Falls, NY

Conference Summary
Human milk is the standard for infant nutrition, making the study of human milk bioactive components increasingly important, as they both protect against life-threatening diseases and support neurodevelopment. For the past 25 years, the practice of using donor human milk has led to a significant increase in the growth and development of human milk banking. The well-established and emerging benefits of human milk present a compelling need for the scientific and medical community to conduct new research into the biology of human milk synthesis, regarding its role in maternal health and the nutrition and development of infants. 

This conference serves a critical role in advancing the science of human milk, bringing together scientists with expertise in human milk from various disciplines, including nutrition, physiology, microbiology, immunology, glycobiology, neuroscience, analytical chemistry, and dairy/food sciences.

Attendees will learn about:

  • The paradigm shift from milk being solely a delivery system for infant nutrition and immune components to human milk being viewed as a complex ecological system
  • Creating available, high-quality data generated from consistent and reproducible experimental designs or methodologies
  • New ways to conduct and disseminate research into the biology of human milk synthesis, especially regarding its role in maternal health and the nutrition and development of infants

Program topics include:

  • International government regulation of formula and human milk substitutes
  • Mammary gland physiology
  • Milk microbiome
  • Milk bioactive lipids
  • Methodological requirements for applying systems biology

Workshops:  

Two Meet the Experts sessions will offer attendees the chance to engage directly with leading human milk research scientists, including those in industry and federal agencies.

A moderated Career Development Workshop will provide early-career investigators with practical advice from more experienced researchers on funding, networking, and career advancement through introductory flash talks and open discussion, leading directly into networking.

Important Dates
TBD

Conference Venue

Sheraton Niagara Falls Hotel
300 3rd Street
Niagara Falls, New York, USA, 14303

Keynote Speakers

Meghan Azad, PhD
Professor, Pediatrics and Child Health 
University of Manitoba

Winnipeg, Canada


Conference Organizers


Douglas Burrin, PhD
Distinguished Senior Research Scientist & Pediatrics Professor

Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, TX


Sharon Donovan, PhD
Professor
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

Urbana, IL


Noura El Habbal, PhD
Teaching Assistant Professor
New York Institute of Technology

New York, NY


Yarden Golan Maor, PhD
Assistant Professor

Cornell University
New York, NY


Alecia-Jane Twigger, PhD
Future Leaders Fellow
Cambridge University

Cambridge, United Kingdom