Mom inside me         
Microchimerism (MC) is one of biology’s most fascinating and little-known phenomena: the long-term presence of a small number of genetically distinct cells in an individual’s body. These cells can be exchanged naturally during pregnancy between mother and child and may persist for decades, quietly integrating into various tissues. While microchimerism has been recognized in scientific research for decades, its relevance to healthcare and society is only beginning to be understood.

From Cells to Society 
This symposium brings together an exceptional panel of leading researchers, healthcare professionals, and authors to shed light on MC from multiple perspectives. We will explore the rich variety of how microchimerism may influence human health, its potential role in coping with pregnancy loss, and its broader implications for women’s health, evolutionary biology, and medical ethics. The event will provide thought-provoking short talks, followed by a plenum discussion and – most importantly – opportunities for direct exchange with the speakers.

Voices at the Frontline          
Among our speakers are renowned scientists such as Lee Nelson and Diana Bianchi, pioneers in MC research, and Amy Boddy, who will share an evolutionary perspective on the phenomenon. Lise Barnéoud, author of Hidden Cells, and Rachel Lewis, whose work Unexpecting: Real Talk on Pregnancy Loss has touched countless readers, and Rachel Tompa, a science writer and editor, will provide a bridge between science and lived experience. Midwife and lecturer Anna Rath will highlight the realities of bereavement care, bonding, and breastfeeding, while Markus Hengstschläger will address the ethical dimensions of MC in clinical and societal contexts.

Us, Microchimerists  
The symposium is designed to be accessible and engaging for participants from different backgrounds—PhD students, local scientific staff, health care providers, midwives, and all those curious about how a microscopic exchange of cells can shape health, relationships, and much more. We will provide general knowledge on the phenomenon but also dive into pregnancy loss and bereavement support to the “12-week taboo” surrounding early pregnancy in many cultures, as well as the possible role of MC in long-term maternal well-being.

Microchimerism Matters      
By creating a space for dialogue across disciplines, we aim to spark both scientific curiosity and practical insights, making this event relevant to those in research, healthcare, and community support roles alike. Whether you are driven by professional interest, academic study, or personal experience, this symposium offers a rare opportunity to learn, reflect, and connect over a phenomenon that is both deeply human and biologically extraordinary.

Thomas Kroneis

On behalf of the Organizing Committee