4th International Conference on Photopharmacology

Join us for the latest in design, synthesis and application of drugs and molecular probes controlled by light!

Started in Groningen in 2017, then hosted in Barcelona in 2018, in New York (by Zoom) in 2021, we are proud to host the 4th installment of Photopharmacology. This event is co-organized by Department of Pharmacology & Pharmacy, The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, and Dr Li Dak-Sum Research Centre, The University of Hong Kong. The scientific program for Photopharmacology IV includes invited and contributed lectures, as well as a vibrant poster session.

Photopharmacology aims at using photosensitive compounds combined with light irradiation to spatiotemporally control their structures and functions. This property allows for the use of light as an external control for therapeutic applications and research tools. Photopharmacology is a multidisciplinary field that integrates chemistry, biology, and pharmacology, which has been emerging rapidly in the recent years. However, more problems still need to be solved for the clinical translation of light-responsive materials. Bearing this in mind, Photopharmacology IV seeks to bring together world experts in photopharmacology to present, discuss, and collaborate between their own areas of expertise. One topic of interest at the conference will be the prospective clinical translation attempts of the light-responsive compounds or materials, which are designed for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer as well as skin and eye diseases, etc. Another topic of interest is the relationship between photopharmacology and photoresponsive drug delivery, which are based on similar photochemistry techniques and application objectives. The design of novel photosensitive molecules with long-wavelength excitation and high responsiveness for deep-seated diseases will be discussed in terms of photochemistry and light delivery. During the conference, emerging photoswitches and photocaging groups that meet these challenges will be introduced. In addition, new strategies on optogenetics, photodynamic therapy and photothermal therapy will be introduced and discussed.

The list of speakers is presented on the conference website.

Abstract submission - May 25 - Jul 15, 2023

Early Bird Registration - May 25 - Aug 15, 2023

Regular Registration - Aug 16 - Nov 11, 2023

Early Bird Registration (To be closed on Aug 15, 2023 at 23:59 HKT (GMT+8))

Regular - HK$2,240 (~285 USD or ~265 EUR, inclusive of lunches on Nov 27 & 28)

Student - HK$1,600 (~205 USD or ~190 EUR, inclusive of lunches on Nov 27 & 28)

Full Registration

HK$2,800 (~360 USD or ~330 EUR, inclusive of lunches on Nov 27 & 28)

Student Registration - HK$2,000 (~255 USD or ~240 EUR, inclusive of lunches on Nov 27 & 28)