The 17th Royan Institute International Summer School on Microbiome and Regenerative Medicine Commences

The 17th Royan Institute International Summer School on Microbiome and Regenerative Medicine Commences
The 17th Royan International Summer School, entitled “Therapeutic Symphony: Unleashing the Regenerative Potential of the Microbiome,” commenced at the Science and Culture University in the presence of a distinguished group of academic leaders, faculty members, researchers, and experts in the fields of life sciences, medicine, and emerging technologies.
Focusing on one of the most emerging and exciting frontiers in contemporary life sciences and medicine, this five-day scientific program explores the potential of the microbiome in regenerative medicine, with particular emphasis on its roles in immune regulation, inflammation, tissue repair, and the development of novel therapeutic approaches.
The opening ceremony was attended by Dr. Zahra Sheikhi, Vice President for Research and Technology of the Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR); Dr. Maryam Tajabadi Ebrahimi, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Iranian Association of Probiotics; Dr. Mohammad Reza Saeedi, President of the Iranian Association for Microbial Science and Technology; and Dr. Seyed Davar Siadat, Head of the Microbiology Research Center at the Pasteur Institute of Iran.
At the beginning of the ceremony, Dr. Samaneh Hosseini, Scientific Secretary of the 17th International Summer School and faculty member of Royan Institute, highlighted the significance of the theme selected for this year’s program and described the microbiome as one of the most exciting frontiers in contemporary life sciences and medicine.
She stated:
“At this Summer School, we are all engaged in a shared scientific quest: how can we harness the rapidly expanding knowledge of the microorganisms that coexist with the human body to promote tissue regeneration, facilitate wound healing, modulate inflammation, and redefine innovative therapeutic approaches?”
She further noted that selecting the microbiome and regenerative medicine as the central theme of the Summer School provides participants with an opportunity not only to become familiar with the latest scientific findings, but also to engage in discussions and exchange perspectives on future directions of research at the intersection of the microbiome and regenerative medicine.
In another part of the opening ceremony, Dr. Abdolhossein Shahverdi, President of Royan Institute, emphasized the importance of scientific programs in advancing knowledge and stated that organizing such initiatives is, above all, driven by a deep commitment to and passion for the advancement of knowledge.
Referring to the fundamental distinction between a summer school and a scientific congress, he said:
“We are not gathered here today at a congress simply to listen to a series of lectures. This is a school, and a school is inherently a place for learning, asking questions, engaging in discussion, and even making mistakes.”
The President of Royan Institute continued:
“In a good school, the instructor is not merely a transmitter of information; rather, the instructor guides students toward new questions. Our expectation is that each of you will leave this Summer School with several new questions, new research ideas, and perhaps a new scientific collaboration. If that happens, the Summer School will have achieved its purpose.”
During another segment of the opening ceremony, Dr. Zahra Sheikhi, Vice President for Research and Technology of ACECR, expressed her pleasure at being present at Royan Institute and at the inauguration of the Summer School, describing Royan Institute as an institution that extends far beyond the conventional definition of a research center.
She stated:
“For me, and for many people who are passionate about science, Royan Institute is not merely a research center; it is a symbol of hope, innovation, scientific leadership, and confidence in national capabilities.”
Dr. Sheikhi described the selection of microbiome and regenerative medicine as a timely and strategic choice, noting:
“The microbiome plays important roles in immune and metabolic regulation, tissue repair, inflammation, and even responses to therapeutic interventions. In other words, if we are to envision the medicine of the future, we cannot overlook the microbiome.”
She added:
“This perspective reflects precisely the transformation that contemporary science demands of us: moving beyond one-dimensional therapeutic approaches toward network-based, personalized, and regeneration-oriented medicine.”
Dr. Sheikhi further referred to the title of the Summer School and likened the microbiome to one of the fundamental voices within an orchestra:
“If regenerative medicine is regarded as an orchestra, the microbiome is one of its fundamental voices. When this voice is properly heard and understood, the therapeutic symphony can become more complete and more harmonious.”
She also highlighted the prominent position of Royan Institute within Iran’s biomedical research landscape, describing it as an institution that has pursued a clear and sustained path in advancing science and technology in the country. This trajectory has extended from pioneering achievements in stem cell science and tissue engineering to lasting contributions in reproductive medicine, cloning, and the development of advanced technological infrastructures.
Following the opening ceremony, the scientific program of the 17th Royan Institute International Summer School officially commenced. On the first day of the event, participants attended specialized educational and scientific sessions addressing the latest developments and findings related to the microbiome, regenerative medicine, and the therapeutic potential of microbiome-based approaches.
The Summer School has been organized to provide an interactive environment for education, scientific dialogue, experience sharing, and the development of new research ideas. By bringing together researchers, faculty members, and professionals with an interest in this rapidly evolving field, the program seeks to foster scientific collaboration and facilitate the development of new research directions at the intersection of microbiome science and regenerative medicine.
The 17th Royan Institute International Summer School, entitled “Therapeutic Symphony: Unleashing the Regenerative Potential of the Microbiome,” will continue for five days.

 
Publish date: 2026/08/15
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