Epigenetics of embryogenesis and placentation
The 2026 Loke CTR annual meeting theme, “Epigenetics of embryogenesis and placentation” brings together leading clinical and basic scientists to explore topics including the interplay of environment, genetics and epigenetics in DOHaD, mechanisms of cell fate and lineage development, genomic imprinting, X chromosome inactivation, and the role of repetitive elements in trophoblast and early development.
Where: Old Divinity School, St John's College, All Saints Passage, Cambridge CB2 1TP
When: Thursday 16th and Friday 17th July 2026
Format: Hybrid
Confirmed speakers:
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Marisa Bartolomei, University of Pennsylvania Assisted reproductive technologies: Placental and fetal outcomes in a mouse model |
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Rachel Freathy, University of Exeter Genetic links between prenatal growth and adult disease |
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Claire Rougeulle, Institut Curie X chromosome regulation: when dose matters |
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Miguel Branco, Queen Mary University of London Regulation of transposable elements in trophoblast |
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Wei Xie, Tsinghua University Decoding the transcription circuitry in early mammalian development |
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Ros John, Cardiff University Placental programming of maternal caregiving and offspring behaviour |
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James Turner, Francis Crick Institute Understanding the sex chromosomes |
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Eamonn Maher, Aston University Investigating the causes of multilocus imprinting disturbance |
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Courtney Hanna, University of Cambridge Epigenetic mechanisms governing placental development |
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Azusa Inoue, Riken IMS Noncanonical genomic imprinting |
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Juliane Glaser, Max Planck Institute Viral-like particles from an epigenetically active retrotransposon cause developmental limb phenotypes |
Venue
The two-day meeting will be held at St John’s College and online. St John’s College, founded in 1511, is situated in the heart of the historic city of Cambridge, overlooking the picturesque River Cam.
Academic sessions will take place in the 19th-century Old Divinity School, while the conference dinner will be hosted in the magnificent 16th-century College Hall.
Call for posters and talks
Abstract submissions now open! Deadline for submission, 1 May 2026.
We invite you to prepare abstracts for the 2026 Annual Meeting, focused on the Epigenetics of Embryogenesis and Placentation. This year, we will be accepting submissions for short talks, flash talks and poster presentations.
Registration and fees for 2026
Registration now open for in-person and online attendance
In-person attendance 2026
| Loke CTR members* | Free |
| Academic (non-members) | £50 |
| Industry | £150 |
In-person registration fee includes:
- Full access to scientific programme: oral and poster presentations, and networking on campus
- Access to the online conference portal to network with online participants
- Refreshments during the conference
Online attendance 2026
| Loke CTR members* | Free |
| Any non-members | £25 |
Virtual registration fee includes:
- Access to the virtual event portal (Log in details emailed a few days before the event)
- Live-stream sessions, including online networking channels
* Please note that this includes honorary members and group members of Loke CTR group leaders. More information on membership can be found on our membership page.
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Online attendance bursaries The Loke Centre for Trophoblast Research is committed to ensuring that our Annual Meeting is as inclusive and accessible as possible. We recognise that financial constraints can be a barrier to participation, especially for students and researchers from under-resourced institutions or countries. To support accessibility, we offer a significantly subsidised registration fee of £25, for online attendance. This fee does not cover the full cost of participation, but we feel strongly that cost should not be a barrier to engagement with our community. In exceptional circumstances, we are able to waive the £25 registration fee for online participation. These bursaries are limited and intended for individuals for whom the fee represents a genuine barrier to attendance. Eligibility Criteria:
Please do not apply for a bursary if you are able to pay the £25 fee. This helps us continue to offer subsidised registration for everyone. Bursaries are only available for online participation. How to Apply: Eligible individuals may apply for a fee waiver by completing a short bursary request form by 1st July 2026: https://forms.microsoft.com/e/r9SfEa2S6w |
Annual Meeting Sponsorship
We invite sponsors to support the 2026 Loke CTR Annual Meeting. If you are interested in sponsoring future meetings, please contact us or download our Meeting Prospectus for details on sponsorship packages and benefits.