Dear Friends and Colleagues,

It is my great pleasure to invite you to the 8th ICRS Summit, taking place in the beautiful city of Porto, Portugal, from October 8-10, 2026.

This Summit promises to be one of our most forward-looking gatherings yet, bringing together global leaders, innovative thinkers, and dedicated clinicians in the field of cartilage repair, regeneration and joint preservation. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Douro River just outside the historic heart of Porto, a city renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and world-class hospitality, we will foster an environment of collaboration, discovery, and meaningful dialogue.

The scientific program will highlight some of the most exciting advances shaping the future of cartilage regeneration and joint health. Key topics include:

• NextGen Cartilage Regeneration, featuring:
  • An introduction to the ARPA-H NITRO Program’s groundbreakingLiving Knee Replacement
  • Updates from ongoinggene therapy clinical trials
  • Organoids for regenerative medicine
  • A global perspective ontrue stem cell therapy as it is being applied in clinical practice
• Cell-Free Therapies for Joint Health, such as:
  • The evolving role ofexosomes and extracellular vesicles
  • Mitochondrial transplantationas a novel therapeutic strategy
  • Biomaterial cell therapeutics
• Plus, cutting-edge developments in injectable orthobiologics, co-morbidities and joint preservation, and much more.

Whether you are a seasoned or emerging cartilage aficionado, do join me at the 8^th ICRS Summit in October 2026. Together, we will explore what’s next in the science and clinical application of regenerative therapies.

I look forward to welcoming you to Porto for an inspiring and impactful event.

Kind regards,
Daniel A. Grande, PhD
Summit Chair