Vascular Biology 2025
Annual Meeting of NAVBO and the Microcirculatory Society
October 19-23, 2025
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Keynote Lecture by Donald Ingber, Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University

Vascular Biology 2025 starts in:
Alejandro Adam, Albany Medical College
Jerry Breslin, University of South Florida
Jennifer Fang, Tulane University
Delphine Gomez, University of Pittsburgh
Stryder Meadows, Tulane University
Juan Melero-Martin, Boston Children's Hospital
Sara Nunes Vasconcelos, Health University Network, Toronto
Beth Roman, University of Pittsburgh
Joseph Rutkowski, Texas A&M University
Amber Stratman, Washington University in St. Louis
Aaron J. Trask, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital
Vascular Biology 2025 – Preliminary Program |
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Day 1 – Sunday, October 19 | ||
2:00-6:00pm | Pre-conference Meeting for Trainees (featured speaker, and program to be determined)
Organizers: Yu Jung Shin, University of Washington and Xiaochen Fan, Stanford University |
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7:15-9:30pm | Judah Folkman Award in Vascular Biology Presentation and Lecture - Talk Title TBD Yajaira Suárez, Yale University School of Medicine Earl P. Benditt Award Presentation and Lecture - Guidance in Vascular Patterning Anne Eichmann, Yale University School of Medicine |
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9:30-10:30pm | Welcome Reception | |
Day 2 – Monday, October 20 | ||
7:00-8:00am | Group Breakfast | Networking 101 |
8:00-10:00am | Regenerative Medicine and Cardiovascular Repair Dynamic In vitro models of vascular growth and injury across scales Ying Zheng, University of Washington A novel angiogenic biomaterial for localized protein delivery improves revascularization and ischemic wound healing Kareen Coulombe, Brown University |
Microvascular Dysfunction in Shock
Extracelluar vesicles in vascular inflammation and barrier dysfunction vascular permeability during sepsis |
10:30am- 12:30pm |
Vascular Remodeling in the Uterus and Placenta The impact of the regulation of uteroplacental perfusion on fetal growth: novel animal models and human studies Ramon Lorca, University of Colorado Mechanisms of placental vascular growth Mark Kahn, University of Pennsylvania |
Inflammation in Small Vessels Vascular permeability, cause and consequence Lena Claesson-Welsh, Uppsala University Tracking neutrophil infiltration into the ischemic brain reveals new targets for treating stroke David Sullivan, Northwestern University |
12:00-1:45pm | Lunch and Learn for Trainees | Lunch for all others |
1:45-3:45pm | Plenary Session: Mechanosensing and Mechanotransduction in the Vasculature Flow-mediated endothelial cell signaling and vascular inflammation Julia Mack, University of California, Los Angeles Flow-induced reprogramming of endothelial cells in atherogenesis Hanjoong Jo, Emory University |
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4:00-5:00pm | Nano-talks | |
5:00-7:00pm | Dinner on your own | |
7:00-10:00pm | Poster Sessions | |
Day 3 – Tuesday, October 21 | ||
7:00-8:00am | Group Breakfast | Career Development Forum Breakfast |
8:00-10:00am | Vascular Extracellular Matrix Bioengineering Engineering human blood vessels for modeling and therapeutics Sharon Gerecht, Duke University Matrix-mediated regeneration of vasa vasorum as a treatment for aortic aneurysm Julie Phillippi, University of Pittsburgh |
Neuroinflammation Mechanisms of cerebral microvascular dysfunction in AD/ADRD: role of cellular inflammatory mediators Paulo Pires, University of Arizona Vascular contributions to neuroinflammation: novel roles for endothelial tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase Candice Brown, Indiana University School of Medicine |
10:30am-12:30pm | Advanced Molecular Mechanisms in Vascular Matrix Remodeling
Systems approach to cardiovascular calcification Mineralization in the matrix |
Epigenetic and Post-Transcriptional Control of the Vasculature Sex-specific epigenetic mechanisms in cerebrovascular injury Kahlilia Morris-Blanco, University of Pennsylvania Dynamic epigenetic signatures during vascular development Angie Serrano, Boston University |
12:30-1:30pm | Topical Panel Discussion with lunch | Group Lunch |
1:30-3:30pm | MCS President’s Symposium: Bone Marrow Niche Clonal hematopoiesis: the emergent risk factor Kenneth Walsh, University of Virginia The role of the nitric oxide / soluble guanylyl cyclase pathway in erythropoiesis Miriam Cortese-Krott, Heinrich Heine University |
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3:30-4:15pm | MCS Landis Award Lecture Recipient to be determined |
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4:30-5:30pm | Emerging Topics in Microcirculation Presentations are chosen from abstracts |
Blood Vascular Development Higd1b is a unique and conserved gene marker for pericytes Ke Yuan, Boston Children’s Hospital How do endothelial cells make adaptive decisions? Katie Bentley, Francis Crick Institute |
5:30-7:00pm | Dinner on your own | |
7:00-10:00pm | Poster Sessions | |
Day 4 – Wednesday, October 22 | ||
7:00-8:00 | Group Breakfast | Career Development Forum Breakfast |
8:00-10:00am | Lymphatic Vascular Development Chemokine signaling as a guiding cue regulating lymphatic development Xiaolei Liu, Temple University Mechanisms of lymphatic vessel and valve morphogenesis Joshua Scallan, University of South Florida |
Innovations in Vascular Tissue Engineering Bioengineered perfused human brain microvasculature to model brain tumor and neurodegenerative diseases Guohao Dai, Northeastern University Delineating the role of vasculatrue in beta cell development and cell therapies for type 1 diabetes Yasaman Aghazadeh, University of Montreal |
10:30am- 12:30pm |
Health Disparities and the Microcirculation
Fission/fusion modulators of age-related coronary microvascular function The role of pluripotency and innate immunity in sex differences in endothelial cells |
Metabolism and Vascular Dysfunction
Immune metabolic reprogramming in vascular inflammation and salt-sensitive hypertension Evolving landscape of atherosclerosis in the COVID-19 era |
12:30-2:00pm | Topical Panel Discussion with lunch | Group Lunch |
2:00-3:00pm | Keynote Lecture
New roles for endothelial cells and mechanical forces revealed using human organ chips |
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3:00-4:00pm | NAVBO – Award Lectures and Presentations (recipients to be determined) Presentation of the Stephen Schwartz Award Presentation of the Florence Sabin Award Springer Award Presentation and Lecture |
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4:15-5:15pm | Technology Workshop | |
5:00-7:00pm | Dinner on your own | |
7:00-10:00pm | Posters Sessions | |
Day 5 – Thursday, October 23 | ||
8:00-8:15am | Presentation of the Poster Awards | |
8:15-10:15pm | Plenary Session: Genetics in Vascular Inflammation
Impact opopulation structure on genetic findings and polygenic risk scores: lessons learned from the locus 9p21 Gut microbiota-immune interactions modulating vascular inflammation in mice |
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10:45am-12:45pm | Plenary Session: Genetic Drivers of Vascular Malformations
Pathogenic variants that activate RAS-MAPK signaling drive lymphatic anomalies Drug development for arteriovenous malformation |
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12:45-1:00pm | Closing Remarks |
Super Early Bird Discount ends June 30, 2025 - register soon!
Registration includes:
Access to all general and concurrent sessions, round tables, poster sessions and exhibits (with light refreshments), the welcome reception on Sunday evening, and coffee breaks. Each attendee will receive one drink ticket per reception (Sunday through Wednesday evenings). Lodging and food are not included with registration, but attendees should reserve their room at the Emerald Resort (same complex as the Hyport Conference Center).
Click on the Venue and Travel tab on this page to access the reservation link to the hotel.
Optional purchases:
Pre-Conference Meeting for Trainees ($25) - this session takes place Sunday, October 19 from 1:00-5:00pm, so make your travel plans accordingly
Registration Rates
Super Early Bird Discount through June 30, 2025
NAVBO and MCS* Regular Members | $595USD |
NAVBO Trainees and MCS* Students and Postdocs | $425USD |
Non-Members | $750USD |
*MCS members will need to enter a promocode in order to receive the member discounts. This promocode will be provided to you by MCS. Contact secretary@microcirc.org if you did not receive the promocode.
Early Bird Discount from July 1 through August 31, 2025
NAVBO and MCS* Regular Members | $640USD |
NAVBO Trainees and MCS* Students and Postdocs | $475USD |
Non-Members | $795USD |
Regular Rates apply from September 1 through October 24, 2024
NAVBO and MCS Regular Members | $765USD |
NAVBO Trainees and MCS Students and Postdocs | $575USD |
Non-Members | $925USD |
Onsite registrations will be charged an additional $50 per person.
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations must be in writing. Cancellations received by September 15 will receive a refund less $100 processing fees. No refunds after September 15.
Abstracts are due August 4, 2025 by 5:00pmET
Complete instructions are within the abstract system.
Abstracts should not exceed 1,750 characters
Submitters must also add their name and affiliation to the author list
You can submit up to two abstracts, do not submit the same abstract to two different categories
Posters should be 45 inches wide by 48 inches high (114x122cm)
If you are chosen to give a talk, you will not present a poster
These are the topic categories -
Sessions for Oral Presentations | Poster Topics | |
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Submit your abstract
Vascular Biology 2025 will feature several themes relevant to the vascular biology community: development, genetics, inflammation, matrix biology and bioengineering, mechanotransduction, microcirculation, and vascular malformations. This is your opportunity to reach scientists in a variety of disciplines: cell biology, bioengineering, signal transduction, developmental biology, matrix biology, physiology, cardiology, pathology, molecular biology, to name a few, and gain added visibility for your organization by choosing from our wide array of support opportunities.
Diamond Partner Host the Welcome Reception on October 19, for a contribution of $20,000. In addition to the benefits received by our Strategic Partners (see below), your organization will receive complimentary exhibit space (up to two booths), a banner ad on the NAVBO website for two years, will be featured on the home page of our mobile event app, receive acknowledgement on exclusive signage at the Reception, and a complimentary full page ad on the inside cover of the Summer Newsletter.
Platinum Partner (contribution of $15,000) will be named as the sponsor of one of our poster session receptions and will receive all the benefits received by our Strategic Partners plus a complimentary exhibit booth, a banner ad on the NAVBO web site for one year, a full page ad in our upcoming Newsletter, and additional signage at the meeting.
Gold Partner (contribution $10,000 to $14,999) will obtain the benefits associated with a Strategic Partner, plus a full-page ad in our upcoming Newsletter, a banner ad on our web site for nine months, and be listed as a Gold Partner on meeting signage. In addition, a Gold Partner may choose to support a particular session and be recognized as a Supporter of that session in the meeting program (mobile app).
Strategic Partner (contribution $5,000 to $9,999) will receive acknowledgement on all promotional materials, newsletters and the meeting web site, and at the meeting in signage, slides, and a banner ad on the NAVBO web site for six months.* You will also receive a complimentary half-page ad in an upcoming Newsletter. A Strategic Partner may choose to support a particular refreshment/coffee break and be acknowledged for this onsite. You may add a pdf insert to our “virtual conference bag.”
Event Partner (contribution $2,500-$4,999) will receive acknowledgement on promotional materials, the web site, signage, and the newsletter.* You may add a pdf insert to our “virtual conference bag.”
ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES:
Diamond, Platinum, and Gold Partners may choose to reserve complimentary exhibit space in the poster sessions for exhibiting products or literature. NAVBO staff can set up and maintain your booth. If a representative is sent to tend the space, their registration fee will be waived; however, all travel and lodging expenses will be the responsibility of the “partner.” This representative will be permitted to attend all sessions, breaks and receptions.
Contributor For educational grants up to $2,499, an organization will be recognized as a “Contributor” and will be
acknowledged as such on promotional materials, the meeting web site, and in the newsletter.*
Literature Table ($500 for one 6’ draped classroom table, no signage provided)
Displays will be set up near the session area and are available to non-profit organizations, government agencies and academic or medical institutions only.
For all contributors and partners:
If you choose, your organization’s logo, in addition to its name, may be included on above mentioned promotional
materials. Names (or logos) of partners will have a link to the organization’s web site from our web site.
No sponsor or partner may have influence in the programming of this meeting.
* Acknowledgement is contingent upon funding being received prior to production of any printed piece and must be confirmed by October 1, 2025, to assure recognition in the final Program.
If you have any questions, please contact Bernadette Englert at (301) 760-7745 or via email at bernadette@navbo.org
Thank you for your support
NAVBO will provide Travel Awards of $500 to trainees (students, postdocs and the equivalent) who are members of NAVBO at the time of the meeting. These awards will be based on the merit of your abstract. The application process for the awards is included in abstract submission site. Be prepared to upload your CV when submitting your abstract. You can start an abstract submission and return to it at a later time.
Your application must be complete by August 4, 2025.
MCS members will also use this process for MCS Travel Awards.
The meeting will take place at the Hyport Conference Center on Cape Cod, MA.
Reservation Information:
To obtain the group rate of $139 a night (plus taxes and fees) please use the Online Group Reservation Code - NAVBO25
Go to the hotel web site: www.theemeraldresort.com
Complete the form
To reserve your room by phone, call 866-828-9111 or 508-775-7775 and ask for the NAVBO room block rate.
You will be charged a one night deposit, plus tax at the time the reservation is made.
Reservation Cut off Date for the group rate is September 20, 2025
Please note - the Hyport Conference Center and the Cape Cod Irish Village (hotel) are part of the Emerald Resort complex. All are located at:
35 Scudder Avenue
Hyannis, MA, United States
Email: stay@theemeraldresort.com
The group rate of $139 a night (plus fees and taxes) is for single and double occupancy.
Location/Transportation: From Logan Airport, Boston, we recommend the Plymouth Brockton Transportation Company. The schedule to and from Hyannis to the airport is on their web site - https://www.p-b.com/schedules/hyn-bsn-lgn-webschedule/.
During the peak hours (1-6pm on Sunday, October 19) the hotel will provide shuttle service from the Hyannis Transportation Center to the hotel. Outside of these hours, the hotel is less than a 10 minute cab ride.
There will also be a shuttle during peak hours (10am-2pm) for return trips to the Hyannis Transportation Center.
For International Travelers to NAVBO Meetings
NAVBO is happy to help you in acquiring a Visa in order to facilitate your attendance at one of our meetings by issuing a letter of invitation, however, the following is required:
Prior to receiving a letter of invitation, each individual requesting an invitation letter must first register and pay for the conference. Conference registration fees are refundable (less the designated processing fee) if the visa application is denied. The refund request must be received in writing.
Once the payment has been received, requests for Letters of Invitation should be addressed by email directly to Bernadette Englert at bernadette@navbo.org. Please note that each individual requesting an invitation letter must email a separate request.
A letter of invitation is issued solely for the purpose of assisting participants with visa applications. Such a letter does not imply any financial obligation on the part of NAVBO. All expenses incurred in relation to the meeting are the sole responsibility of the attendee(s).
Please note that we cannot guarantee that you will receive a visa. The decision to grant visas is at the sole discretion of the Embassy or Consulate offices. NAVBO will not be able to contact or intervene with Embassy or Consulate offices on your behalf. NAVBO cannot change the decision of the Embassy or Consulate offices should your application be denied.
The following information is required before a letter of invitation can be issued:
Your CV (curriculum vitae or resume)
Name as it appears on your passport
Title/Position (Professor, graduate student, postdoctoral fellow, etc.)
Institutional address
City, Province, Country, Postal Code
Personal Street Address
City, Province, Country, Postal Code
Email
Passport number
Date of issuance
Date of expiration
Place of issue
Date of Birth
Place of birth
Nationality
You should also indicate briefly why you want to attend the conference.
All letters of invitation are generic in nature and will be signed and sent in PDF format that can be printed by the requester(s). No mailed (postal) letters of invitation will be sent. Due to the costs involved, we cannot send letters of invitation via express mail services.
It is the traveler's responsibility to check and confirm current visa requirements to enter the United States. To see if you require a visa, please visit https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/wizard.html. NAVBO cannot be held responsible for travelers who do not confirm their visa requirements or who do not obtain the appropriate paperwork for travel to the conference.
For additional information regarding traveling in the United States, consult https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en.html or http://www.dhs.gov/how-do-i/visit-united-states.
Another helpful page is https://www.insuremytrip.com/research/us-travel-visa-information/ - please note we are NOT endorsing the services of Insure My Trip.
This procedure is intended to assist participants who need to obtain a visa to attend the conference and is not an official invitation covering fees and/or any other expenses or financial support for attendance. NAVBO does not assume responsibility for the outcome of your visa application.
On Site Care
Childcare services are available through Summer Sitters. This group can come to the hotel. Please visit their web site for more details: https://www.summersitters.com/ or call them at (508) 237-8965. Parents/guardians must make all arrangements directly with Summer Sitters; NAVBO will not be responsible for or involved in any of the arrangements. You can, however, apply for a childcare grant to help cover the cost of this service.
The North American Vascular Biology Organization does not endorse this service. It is the meeting participant's responsibility to verify the appropriateness of the service and make reservations.
Childcare Grants
Small grants up to $500 per family are available for meeting attendees who are bringing young children to a meeting or who incur extra expenses for childcare during the meeting. Grants are available for Vascular Biology 2025.
Apply Online
To apply, complete the online childcare grant application by the deadline below.
Deadline to submit an application is August 31, 2025
Allowable Expenses:
- Child care expenses at the site of the meeting*
- Extra child/dependent care expenses at home incurred because the primary caregiver was attending the meeting (such as overtime at a child care center, cost of a sitter, etc.)
- Expenses incurred in bringing a caregiver and/or dependent
Receipts will be required for all reimbursement.
*NAVBO does not provide or recommend child care providers and does not assume responsibility or liability for child care services of any sort. It is the responsibility of the parent(s) or guardian(s) to thoroughly investigate all child care providers.
Receipts for all expenses are required and you will receive your reimbursement once receipts are submitted after the meeting.
Unallowable Expenses:
- Regular home-based child/dependent care expenses
- Travel or other expenses related to the attendee’s participation in the meeting (including meeting registration, meals, travel to the meeting, or other expenses the attendee would already be incurring by attending the meeting)
- Food
- Tickets to local museums, amusement parks, etc.
Selecting Grants
If the number of requests for grants exceeds the funding, preference will be given to applicants in the early stages of their careers.
Application Misrepresentation
NAVBO reserves the right to deny funds to applicants who misrepresent their funding needs.
Changes in Circumstances
If the need for your grant changes between when you applied and the date of the Meeting, you must notify NAVBO to explain. You will be notified if your need is still eligible for funding.
October 19 to 23, 2025
Vascular Biology 2025 will feature several themes relevant to the vascular biology community: development and homeostasis, inflammation, matrix biology and bioengineering, and microcirculation. Join us on Cape Cod in Hyannis, MA.
Plan now to exhibit at this premiere event in the field of vascular biology. Meet with colleagues from around the world (on average 20% of our attendees are international) and display your latest technology, supplies and equipment to professionals in the fields of vascular and cardiovascular biology.
Vascular Biology 2025 will provide in-depth, cross-disciplinary approaches to subject matter. This meeting brings together leading scientists in cell biology, signal transduction, microcirculation, neurobiology, developmental biology, immunology, cardiology, molecular biology, as well as pathology and physiology who have an underlying interest in vascular biology. We expect 300 participants and approximately 200 abstracts. Usually half of the attendees are principal investigators and about 25% are postdoctoral fellows. The remainder of the attendees are a mix of graduate students and clinician-scientists.
This meeting is co-sponsored by The Microcirculatory Society, whose focus will help to broaden the scope of our meeting program, which features prominent speakers, abstract presentations, poster presentations, round tables on
Career Development, and of course, Exhibits.
Download the Exhibitor Prospectus
or Register as an Exhibitor through our online application: Follow this link
Exhibitor Benefits & Promotion Included with your Contract Visibility within the Meeting Mobile App and Web Site A list of exhibiting companies will be included in the final Meeting Program and will be posted on this web page. Product descriptions are included in the Exhibit Guide, which will be accessible from this web page. A similar listing will be included in the meeting app. Your company contact will have access to both of these listings to add and update information. Registration List Exhibitors will receive the meeting attendee list (after the meeting) free of charge (please note: registrants must be given an opt out from mailings). Integrated with the Posters Scientific poster presentations and exhibits will be co-mingled and located adjacent to session rooms in order to provide exhibitors with the most traffic. Different posters will be presented on each evening.
Our mobile event app includes detailed product descriptions including images and service information in your app profile. Start a dialog in person at the meeting and keep it going after the meeting.
PDFs of any literature you would like to share with the registrants (or any site visitor) prior to the meeting. You can advertise webinars, target your products or offer coupons to attendees.
Fee Schedule NAVBO Corporate Members - By August 15 - $1,450 After Aug 15 - $1,650 Non-Members - By August 15 - $1,700 After Aug 15 - $1,900
Sunday, October 19, 2:00–5:00 pm, Ballroom Foyer
Monday, October 20, 7:00 pm–10:00 pm* Tuesday, October 21, 7:00 pm–10:00 pm* Wednesday, October 22, 7:00 pm–10:00 pm*
Wednesday, October 22, 10:00-11:00pm Thursday, October 23, 9:00am - 2:00pm If applicable, schedule pick up of equipment, etc. for Thursday after 9am, October 23, 2025. Exhibits must be kept intact until the closing of the exhibits. All aisles must remain clear for public passage.
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Exhibitor Rules and Regulations Booth Personnel Exhibitor badges must be worn at all times. NAVBO provides each booth space two (2) paid registrations that will provide full access to all scientific sessions, coffee breaks, lunch on Monday and receptions. Other meals are not included. Booth staff must agree to the meeting Code of Conduct. Additional booth staff or representatives from your company must register as meeting participants.
Exhibiting companies are permitted to distribute promotional materials and other items at their Exhibit Booth location only. All distributed items must be useful to the professional activities of the meeting attendees and made available to all meeting attendees as long as supplies last. No soliciting of registrants is permitted in the aisles, in other exhibitor booths, or in any other area reserved for this meeting. No distribution of literature or other promotional items at hotel guest rooms, or in any other public or private area of the conference center or hotel is permitted.
Exhibitors who require other services such as electricity, will receive ordering information three months prior to the meeting.
Subletting any part of the exhibit space is prohibited.
Consider the many opportunities (http://www.navbo.org/vb2024) for additional visibility to our attendees and web visitors. Meeting supporters are highlighted on the meetings’ web site – www.navbo.org/vb2024 with a link to their web site. Depending on the level of support, your exhibitor fee may be waived. Additional Opportunities for Visibility Advertise in the Summer Newsletter Inside Cover, color, 8.5” x 11” - $750 (includes bleed) Full Page, color, 8” x 10.5” - $600 (w/bleed 8.5x11 - $650) 1/2 Page Horizontal, 8” x 5” color - $350 1/2 Page Vertical, 3.75” x 10.5” color - $325 1/4 Page Vertical, 3.75” x 4.75” color - $200 Specifications High resolution Adobe PDF (with embedded fonts) Insertion Orders and Materials Due May 15, 2025 for the Newsletter Send materials to: Bernadette Englert Email: bernadette@navbo.org
Exhibitors receive 50% off Homepage Banner Ads!! Banners display and rotate with other banner ads - your ad will remain on the web site for one year from order date. Contact bernadette@navbo.org for specifications NAVBO 18501 Kingshill Road Germantown, MD 20874-2211 Tel: (301) 760-7745 · Fax: (301) 540-6903 |
Anti‐Harassment and Code of Conduct Policy
The North American Vascular Biology Organization is dedicated to providing a harassment‐free conference experience for everyone, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, physical appearance, body size, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
We do not tolerate harassment of conference participants in any form. Sexual language and imagery are not appropriate for any conference venue. Conference participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the conference without a refund at the discretion of the conference organizers.
Harassment includes, but is not limited to:
- Verbal comments that reinforce social structures of domination related to sex, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, religion or other areas of intimidation
- Sexual images in public spaces
- Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following
- Harassing photography or recording
- Sustained disruption of talks or other events
- Inappropriate physical contact
- Unwelcome sexual attention
- Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behavior
Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately. If a participant engages in harassing behavior, event organizers retain the right to take any actions to keep the event a welcoming environment for all participants. This includes warning the offender or expulsion from the conference with no refund.
Event organizers may take action to redress anything designed to, or with the clear impact of, disrupting the event or making the environment hostile for any participants. We expect participants to follow these rules at all event venues and event‐related social activities.
If someone makes you or anyone else feel unsafe or unwelcome, please report it as soon as possible to any NAVBO staff person. Harassment and other code of conduct violations reduce the value of our event for everyone. You can make a report either personally or anonymously.
Reporting and Resolution
Any violation of this policy should be reported. If you experience or witness discrimination, harassment, or bullying, you are encouraged to make your unease or disapproval known to the individual at the time the incident occurs, but only if you are comfortable doing so. You are also urged to report any incident by:
- Filing a complaint with Bernadette Englert, the NAVBO Executive Officer (bernadette@navbo.org) or Sharon DeRosa Smolen, NAVBO Education Coordinator (sharon@navbo.org)
- You may also file a complaint with the HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) by visiting their web site: https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/filing-a-complaint/index.html
Complaints should be filed as soon as possible after an incident. To ensure the prompt and thorough investigation of the complaint, the complainant should provide as much information as is possible, such as names, dates, locations, and steps taken. The Executive Officer will investigate the alleged violation.
Please note that filing a complaint with the conference organizer(s) is not required before filing a complaint of discrimination with HHS OCR, and that seeking assistance from the conference organizer in no way prohibits filing complaints with HHS OCR as well. If a participant has concerns of harassment, including sexual harassment, discrimination, and other forms of inappropriate conduct at NIH-supported conferences, you can also notify NIH. See the information on this web page: https://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/harassment/find-help.htm
If an investigation results in a finding that an individual has committed a violation, the organizers will take the actions necessary to protect those involved in its activities from any future discrimination, harassment, or bullying, including in appropriate circumstances the removal of an individual from the current activity and a ban on participation in future activities.
Photography within sessions is STRICTLY PROHIBITED
You may not record, photograph or capture in anyway, slides projected on screens or posters on display.