The EASL School 2026 “The Spatial Biology of Liver Disease” is a specialized Basic Science School designed to train scientists at different career stages in the cutting-edge field of spatial biology for liver disease research. This immersive programme explores how spatial omics technologies – including single-cell and multiplexed tissue imaging – uncover the complex cellular interactions driving liver pathology and progression.

Participants will gain hands-on experience with advanced spatial tools such as Hyperion, CosMx/GeoMx, and MALDI imaging, engage in a unique Spatial Liver Biology Hackathon, and receive tailored project feedback from leading experts. Through interactive keynote lectures, small-group lab sessions, and collaborative problem-solving, attendees will develop critical skills in spatial profiling, computational data analysis, and clinical translation.

This highly interactive and multidisciplinary event offers an invaluable opportunity to advance research in hepatology, establish collaborations, and apply spatial approaches to tackle major challenges in liver disease.

School Organisers:

• Saskia van Mil
• Yvonne Vercoulen
• Kristof Van Avondt

Please note that the programme is subject to change, and will be updated continuously up to the school event.

This EASL School is dedicated to advancing spatial biology in liver disease research by:

1. Bridging Basic Science and Clinical Research – Integrating cutting-edge spatial omics technologies to deepen understanding of liver pathology and guide future therapeutic strategies.
2. Empowering Scientists with Hands-On Training – Providing practical experience with state-of-the-art spatial tools (Hyperion, CosMx/GeoMx, and MALDI imaging) to enhance research capabilities in hepatology.
3. Driving Innovation through Multidisciplinary Collaboration – Encouraging researchers from diverse backgrounds to work together in a Spatial Liver Biology Hackathon, tackling key challenges in liver disease.
4. Advancing Computational and AI-Driven Data Analysis – Equipping participants with the latest bioinformatics and AI tools to analyze complex spatial and single-cell datasets.
5. Building a Stronger Research Community – Connecting participants with leading experts for knowledge exchange, networking, and personalized project feedback to foster career growth.

This programme aims to inspire breakthroughs in liver biology and precision medicine by equipping researchers with the skills and knowledge to push the field forward.

• Master Cutting-Edge Spatial Technologies – Gain hands-on experience with advanced spatial tools like Hyperion, CosMx/GeoMx, and MALDI imaging for in-depth analysis of liver biology at the cellular and molecular levels.
• Apply Spatial Omics to Liver Disease Research – Understand how spatial profiling and multi-omics approaches can provide insights into liver pathology, disease progression, and potential therapeutic interventions.
• Develop Computational Skills for Spatial Data Analysis – Learn how to integrate and analyze large-scale spatial and single-cell datasets using AI-driven tools and computational methods.
• Engage in Multidisciplinary Collaboration – Participate in an interactive Hackathon, working in diverse teams to solve challenges in liver biology using spatial omics data.
• Network with Leading Experts and Receive Personalized Feedback – Connect with top researchers in the field, present your own projects, and gain valuable insights to advance your career in hepatology and spatial biology.

• Hands-on Training with Cutting-Edge Spatial Technologies. Gain practical experience with state-of-the-art spatial tools, including Hyperion, CosMx/GeoMx, and MALDI imaging, to explore liver biology at an unprecedented level of cellular resolution and spatial organization.
• Collaborative Hackathon for Problem Solving. Participate in an interactive hackathon focused on critical questions in liver biology, working in multidisciplinary teams to foster creativity, cross-disciplinary insights, and networking.
• Direct Access to Leading Experts and Personalized Project Feedback. Engage with top scientist in spatial biology and liver disease, receiving tailored feedback on your research projects to refine your approach and advance your career.

• MD/PhD Students and Postdoctoral Fellows – Early-career researchers looking to apply spatial approaches to study liver disease and gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies.
• Basic and Translational Scientists – Researchers specializing in liver biology, spatial omics, and computational data analysis who want to expand their expertise in spatial technologies.
• Hepatologists and Clinical Scientists – Medical professionals and clinical researchers interested in leveraging spatial biology to better understand liver disease and its impact on clinical interventions.