Greetings from SMRM 2026, Bengaluru!

It is our great pleasure to host and warmly welcome you to the 12th Annual Conference of the Society for Mitochondrial Research and Medicine (SMRM 2026) themed “Mitochondrial Continuum: Bridging Biology and Medicine”. This meeting is jointly organized by the Department of Neuropathology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, SMRM and IndoUSrare. It will be held at the NIMHANS Convention Centre, Bengaluru from 19 - 21 November 2026. NIMHANS, an Institute of National Importance, embodies the vision “to be a world leader in the area of mental health and neurosciences and evolve state-of-the-art approaches to patient care through translational research”.

Over the past decade, mitochondria have emerged as central regulators of cellular homeostasis, extending far beyond their classical role as energy producers. Today, they are recognized as pivotal players in diverse biological processes, including cellular signaling, apoptosis, metabolic regulation, and immune responses. Notably, mitochondrial dysfunction is increasingly implicated in a wide spectrum of human diseases from rare inherited mitochondrial disorders to more common conditions such as neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, metabolic syndromes, and age-related pathologies.

SMRM 2026 aims to serve as a platform that brings together clinicians, basic scientists, translational researchers, and students from across the globe. The scientific program has been thoughtfully designed to reflect the breadth and depth of the field, encompassing cutting-edge advances in mitochondrial genetics, biogenesis, dynamics, diagnostics, and emerging therapeutic strategies. Through keynote lectures, panel discussions, young scientific presentations, flash presentations and poster sessions, we hope to facilitate meaningful exchange of ideas and foster new collaborations that will shape the future of mitochondrial medicine. In addition, a series of pre-conference workshops will provide hands-on learning opportunities in specialized areas, including enzyme histochemistry, respiratory enzyme assays, transmission electron microscopy, and bioenergetics analysis using the Seahorse analyser.

It is also a pleasure to host SMRM 2026 in Bengaluru, often referred to as the “Silicon Valley of India,” a city that uniquely blends scientific innovation with rich cultural heritage. Home to premier research institutions, academic communities, and a thriving biotechnology ecosystem, Bengaluru provides an ideal backdrop for a conference dedicated to bridging biology and medicine. Beyond the conference halls, the city offers a welcoming climate, diverse cuisine, and a dynamic cultural landscape, making your visit both professionally enriching and personally enjoyable.

We are excited to host an exceptional group of national and international experts who will share their insights, latest findings, and perspectives. Their contributions, along with the active participation of delegates, will undoubtedly enrich the scientific discourse and inspire innovative approaches to longstanding challenges in the field.

We are confident that SMRM 2026 will not only provide a stimulating scientific experience but also strengthen the global mitochondrial research community. We look forward to welcoming you and hope that your time at the conference will be intellectually rewarding, professionally enriching, and personally memorable.

With warm regards,