INFRAFRONTIER Conference 2026 brings together experts to shape the future of in silico disease modelling
On 23–24 June, researchers from across Europe and beyond gathered in Rome for the INFRAFRONTIER Conference 2026: Towards in silico models of human diseases, a two-day meeting dedicated to exploring how computational approaches are transforming biomedical research and disease modelling. The event provided a vibrant forum for scientists working across experimental and computational disciplines to exchange ideas, build collaborations, and discuss the future of predictive disease modelling.
The conference programme followed a clear scientific progression, examining how advances in functional genomics, data resources, artificial intelligence and computational modelling are converging to create increasingly sophisticated digital representations of human disease. Across keynote lectures, scientific presentations and panel discussions, participants explored both the opportunities and the current limitations of in silico approaches, emphasising the importance of robust experimental data and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Five thematic sessions guided discussions throughout the conference, covering:
- Functional genomics data and annotation
- Databases and digital resources for disease modelling
- Mechanistic in silico disease models and predictive medicine
- Bridging experimental animal models with computational approaches
- Ethical, regulatory and reproducibility challenges
Together, these sessions highlighted how high-quality experimental models remain essential for generating the data needed to build, validate and improve computational disease models.
Interactive workshops and panel discussions encouraged participants to identify common standards, discuss validation strategies and define future priorities for the field. Rather than viewing computational and experimental research as separate disciplines, the meeting reinforced the growing consensus that progress depends on integrating in vivo, in vitro and in silico approaches into complementary research pipelines.
The conference also provided valuable networking opportunities for researchers from academia, research infrastructures and industry, fostering new collaborations across disciplines that will help accelerate innovation in disease modelling.
As biomedical research increasingly embraces artificial intelligence and data-driven science, the INFRAFRONTIER Conference reaffirmed the research infrastructure’s commitment to supporting cutting-edge technologies while strengthening the links between computational modelling and experimental biology. By bringing together experts from diverse scientific communities, the event helped shape a shared vision for the next generation of disease models and their application in translational research.