World Biomaterials Congress - WBC 2028
Event Date
April 24–29, 2028
Location
Washington, DC
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe World Biomaterials Congress (WBC) is the premier global gathering in biomaterials science and engineering, held once every four years. The 2028 edition — the 13th World Biomaterials Congress — takes place April 24–29, 2028, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC, hosted by the Society For Biomaterials in partnership with the International Union of Societies for Biomaterials Science and Engineering (IUSBSE). The congress convenes under the theme "Navigating Global Biomaterials Innovation."
WBC2028 brings together leading researchers, scientists, engineers, clinicians, entrepreneurs, students, and business leaders from around the world to showcase the latest advancements in biomaterials science and engineering. The program spotlights innovation, translation, and commercialization, alongside timely topics such as global health, artificial intelligence, gene editing, and nanotechnology.
Attendees benefit from a rare, worldwide platform to exchange ideas, collaborate on groundbreaking research, and explore future partnerships. With Washington, DC's proximity to key institutions including the FDA, NIH, NIST, NSF, and ASTM, the meeting also draws input from regulators and standards organizations to advance the global harmonization of standards for next-generation medical devices.
Show Highlights
- Theme: "Navigating Global Biomaterials Innovation."
- Global scope: Organized every four years by IUSBSE together with the Society For Biomaterials, drawing scientists, engineers, clinicians, entrepreneurs, and students worldwide.
- Cutting-edge science: Sessions showcasing innovative scientific technologies developed across the country and around the world, with an emphasis on innovation, commercialization, and translation.
- Emerging technologies: Discussions on the ethical and scientific implications of artificial intelligence, gene editing, and nanotechnology.
- Regulatory and standards focus: Input from regulators, standards organizations, entrepreneurs, and business leaders to facilitate global harmonization of standards for next-generation medical devices.
- Program leadership: Andrés J. García, PhD, FBSE, serves as a Program Co-Chair; William R. Wagner, PhD, FBSE, is President of the Society For Biomaterials.
Registration
As of publication, full registration for WBC2028 has not yet opened. Prospective attendees can sign up for email updates through the official congress website (wbc28.org) to be notified when registration and program details become available. The Society For Biomaterials has issued a Call for Ideas for the 2028 program.
History
The World Biomaterials Congress traces its origins to 1980, when the First International (World) Biomaterials Congress was held in Baden, near Vienna, Austria. It has since become the quadrennial flagship event of the international biomaterials community. Past congresses have been held in Vienna (1980), Washington (1984), Kyoto (1988), Berlin (1992), Toronto (1996), Honolulu (2000), Sydney (2004), Amsterdam (2008), Chengdu (2012), and Montreal (2016), among others. The congress is organized every four years by the International Union of Societies for Biomaterials Science and Engineering (IUSBSE), which coordinates the event and recognizes accomplished individuals through the Fellow of Biomaterials Science and Engineering (FBSE) designation. The Society For Biomaterials, founded in 1974, is the oldest scientific organization in the field and participates in the quadrennial congress. The 2028 congress marks the 13th World Biomaterials Congress and returns to Washington, DC for the second time since 1984.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the 2028 World Biomaterials Congress held?
WBC2028 takes place April 24–29, 2028, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC, USA.
Who organizes the World Biomaterials Congress?
The 2028 congress is hosted by the Society For Biomaterials in partnership with the International Union of Societies for Biomaterials Science and Engineering (IUSBSE). The congress is held once every four years.
Who should attend WBC2028?
The congress is designed for researchers, scientists, engineers, clinicians, entrepreneurs, business leaders, and students from across the global biomaterials community. It also welcomes input from regulators and standards organizations.
How do I register for the congress?
Registration had not yet opened as of publication. Prospective attendees can sign up for email updates on the official website (wbc28.org) to be notified when registration and program details are released.
What makes WBC2028 worth attending?
Under the theme "Navigating Global Biomaterials Innovation," the congress showcases cutting-edge advances in biomaterials science and engineering, with a focus on innovation, translation, and commercialization. Its Washington, DC location offers proximity to key institutions such as the FDA, NIH, NIST, NSF, and ASTM.
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