Welcome Address

Dear colleagues, esteemed speakers, students, and guests,

On behalf of the organizing committee, it’s truly a pleasure to welcome you to the First International Congress of Experimental Pathology: From Natural Products to Preclinical Trials, taking place from September 24 to September 27, 2025.

We’re gathering at the Federal University of São João del Rei in Minas Gerais, Brazil, guided by Prof. Dr. Rosy Iara Maciel de Azambuja Ribeiro and Prof. Dr. Renê Oliveira do Couto. It’s exciting to see such a diverse and passionate group of researchers, professionals, and students come together from all over the world, united by a shared goal: to advance the field of experimental pathology.

This conference aims to shine light on the latest breakthroughs in natural products research and the development of therapies for a range of diseases. Over the next few days, we’ll dive into a variety of topics, from the incredible diversity of plant-based bioactive compounds to the ways traditional knowledge can be harnessed by modern science to create better treatments. Our program includes lectures, panel discussions, and interactive sessions, all designed to encourage fresh ideas and collaborative thinking that can truly impact global health.

As many of you know, experimental pathology, especially in vitro and preclinical research, is a cornerstone of developing new drugs and treatments. Each step, from exploring promising natural compounds to designing animal models and clinical studies, is essential. Yet too often, these efforts happen separately. With this congress, we want to bring these efforts together, fostering conversations and partnerships that bridge these gaps.

We’re excited to welcome speakers from Brazil, Indonesia, Canada, France, Ecuador, and more. With over 150 poster presentations, four oral presentations showcasing exceptional work, and an audience of around 250 to 300 participants, we know these days will be filled with lively conversations, new insights, and many opportunities to connect.

Beyond the science, this congress is about people, about meeting new colleagues, sharing experiences, and learning from each other. Collaboration is what drives progress, and whether you’re just starting out as a student or you’re an established researcher, we encourage you to jump in, ask questions, and make the most of this time together.

We’re also deeply grateful to our partners: the Brazilian Association of Pharmaceutical Sciences (ABCF), the Franco-Brazilian Network on Natural Products (FB2NP), and the graduate programs in Bioengineering, Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Morphofunctional Sciences and Biotechnology at UFSJ. Your support and enthusiasm remind us just how important this event is for our shared community.

Finally, we recognize how vital it is to have spaces like this where we can come together, share discoveries, and spark new ideas. By talking openly, debating passionately, and forming new partnerships, we can push the boundaries of research, deepen our understanding of disease, and work toward a healthier future for everyone.

Thank you all for being here. We’re looking forward to days filled with inspiring talks, meaningful discussions, and exciting collaborations.

Welcome to the First International Congress of Experimental Pathology!

Welcome to this exciting journey from natural products to preclinical trials!