I’m in Seattle for ISEV2023.
It’s the international conference on extracellular vesicles (EV).
Maybe because it was founded less than ten years ago, the energy is incredible. Whenever you sit down at a table for lunch or a break, people always ask what you research, and because it’s a new field everyone shares the same struggles, which is fascinating. Even the eminent professors who are always cited in EV papers are all very frank, and I had never experienced a conference like this at the international clinical meetings, so it felt fresh. Collaboration discussions moved forward right there on the spot, and Zoom dates got scheduled. Overwhelmed by all the momentum, I came away wanting to survive in this world.
I felt my own lack of ability more than enough, which is frustrating, but I resolved to keep moving forward half a step at a time even if I take a step back. Since you can absorb knowledge from papers, I feel I have finally understood that exchanging ideas with researchers from around the world is the number one priority of a conference. I wonder if the way you engage with conferences changes with age… Savoring the happiness of being able to debate over shared academic topics, I’d like to enjoy it a little more.
A photo with the developer of Exodus.
He (Mr. Liu) developed this system and published its details in Nature Medicine.
He has now left his research position and founded a company.
Exosome detection via the ultrafast-isolation system: EXODUS - Nature Methods