In 1954, the first successful kidney transplant was carried out at Peter Bent Brigham Hospital in Boston, US. Seventy years later, organ transplantation has become a routine medical treatment with several 100.000 patients worldwide having received a gift of life. However, there are still major challenges which have to be overcome with the help of science.

Organ transplantation is currently entering a new phase. Recent advances in biotechnology and medical technology have given rise for hope that fundamental progress will be made tackling the main issues of organ rejection and organ shortage.

The organ transplant center of Hannover Medical School is one of the largest and most active centers in Germany and Europe. It`s outstanding history in organ transplantation is the basis for current and future commitment in collaboration with outstanding scientists and clinicians worldwide.

The conference brings together national and international experts on the most urging questions of organ transplantation in five sessions:

• Organ Shortage and Marginal Donor Organs
• Transplant Oncology
• Immunological Approaches to Save Organs
• Graft Remodeling – What Comes Next?
• Xenotransplantation – Are we Ready for Translation?

Scientific progress in organ transplantation needs dedicated young scientists and clinicians. The symposium also landmarks the conclusion of the research funding program CORE 100 by the Ministry for Science and Culture of Lower Saxony which has enabled many junior scientists at Hannover Medical School to pursue a career in transplant medicine. Furthermore, young scientists from other transplant centers are invited to attend the Hannover Transplant Summit and apply for travel grants with poster presentations of their research.