31st Annual Meeting of the Canadian Biomaterials Society

Biomaterials, defined as bulk materials or surfaces that interact in some way with the body, are an ever-present part of the health care system. The Canadian Biomaterials Society (CBS) is a student-focused, not-for-profit organization dedicated to enhancing biomaterials science and technology development and training in Canadian universities, industry, and government. The 31st Annual Meeting of the Society, to be held on the campus of Dalhousie University from June 4 to 7, 2014, will provide a forum for sharing the latest discoveries in biomaterials research, device development and novel clinical applications. There will be a special emphasis on networking, with opportunities for both formal and informal interactions amongst trainees, professors, clinicians and industrial partners from across Canada. The scientific program will highlight notable international experts spanning the broad biomaterials spectrum, with much of the program focused on tissue repair and regeneration required as a result of injuries and aging-related or chronic diseases, including osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and cancer; notably, these are strategic research priorities of the Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis (IMHA). In typical CBS tradition, this meeting will emphasize student participation through oral and poster presentations, and co-chairing of sessions. Following the precedent set at our last meeting, we will again be seeking Continuing Medical Education (CME) accreditation of this event to further promote knowledge exchange amongst clinicians and scientists, with the goal of realizing greater translation of innovations from the laboratory bench to bedside. The long-term benefits, then, are improved personal health together with more effective (and efficient) health care solutions.