event tracking
Sep. 7, 2027
9:00 am  -  5:00 pm ET

2027 Midwest CRISPR Animal Modeling Symposium

The Midwest CRISPR Animal Modeling Symposium (M-CAMS) explores the latest advances in transgenic and gene-editing technologies. Designed for transgenic core professionals at all levels, M-CAMS provides a forum to share protocols, discuss practical strategies and enhance collaboration with colleagues. 

Registration
There is no fee to attend M-CAMS but registration is required.

For more information on becoming a sponsor, please contact Courtney Zirkle.

Event Details

When is the Midwest CRISPR Animal Modeling Symposium? How much does it cost?
The Midwest CRISPR Animal Modeling Symposium will take place Sept. 3, 2027. There is no fee to attend but registration is required.

Important dates

  • Friday, July 23, 2027: Deadline to submit abstract selected talks for the symposium.
  • Friday, Aug. 6, 2027: Abstract selected talk speakers notified.
  • Friday, Aug. 20, 2027: Deadline to submit a poster abstract.
  • Friday, Aug. 20, 2027: Registration closes for M-CAMS.
  • Friday, Sept. 3, 2027: M-CAMS begins.

Registration

Can I register a group for the Midwest CRISPR Animal Modeling Symposium?
Yes! The registration form allows one person to register and pay for a group. Once registration is complete for one person, please click “add person” in the bottom right corner of the form. Input the second person’s information and continue in this manner until all parties in the group are registered. The system will then charge a total cost for the group.

Will late registrations for the Midwest CRISPR Animal Modeling Symposium be accepted?
Unfortunately, late registrations will not be accepted. All attendees must register online by 11:59 p.m. ET, Monday, July 26, 2027.

What are the details regarding poster presentations?
VAI will provide a 6 ft.-wide frame and pushpins to display your poster.

What is the refund policy for the symposium?
Refund requests must be made in writing on or before Monday, July 26, 2027, and sent to Courtney Zirkle at [email protected]. Refunds will not be accepted after July 26, 2027. However, you may substitute a registrant in your place through Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2027.

Sponsorship

How do I become a sponsor?
Please contact Courtney Zirkle at [email protected] for more information on sponsorship opportunities.

Parking, Dietary Needs and Directions

What if I need accessible parking?
Please contact Courtney Zirkle at [email protected] to discuss any accessibility needs.

What if I have dietary needs?
Please include any food allergies or dietary restrictions on your registration or application form. Every effort will be made to accommodate requests.

How do I get to VAI?
Van Andel Institute’s address is 333 Bostwick Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Institute is approximately 20 minutes from the Gerald R. Ford International Airport. VAI is conveniently located within walking distance of multiple local hotels. Rideshare and taxi services are available in Grand Rapids.

Looking for accommodations? Here are some close suggestions:

  • Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton – 187 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
    Distance to VAI: 0.6 miles
  • JW Marriott Grand Rapids — 235 Louis St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
    Distance to VAI: 0.7 miles
  • AC Hotel — 50 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
    Distance to VAI: 0.6 miles

Code of Conduct Guidelines
We are dedicated to providing a harassment-free, non-discriminatory symposium experience for all participants, regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, pregnancy, height, weight, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other personal characteristics covered by applicable law. We will not tolerate harassment of conference participants in any form. We expect participants at our events to engage in constructive and professional discussions at all times. Harassment can include unwelcomed attention, inappropriate comments or jokes that refer to sexual topics, requests for dates, or other sexual activities as well as the use of language that may demean or degrade individuals. These behaviors are not appropriate for any of our conference venues, including talks, workshops, networking sessions, poster sessions, social networking platforms, and other online media platforms. Any participant violating these guidelines will be removed from the symposium at the discretion of the conference organizers.

Anyone who has experienced the above, or who has witnessed such behavior, should notify Courtney Zirkle. Anonymous reporting may also be done through the EthicsPoint Hotline.

Director, Transgenic Core
Van Andel Institute

For more than 15 years at Van Andel Institute, Tristan Kempston has played a central role in the design, generation, genotyping and sequence-based validation of genetically engineered animal models. Initially trained in transgenic microinjection and murine embryonic stem cell-based gene targeting, he helped introduce and adapt CRISPR technology at VAI in 2014. Since then, he has continually refined strategies for model design, mutagenesis, molecular characterization, in-depth sequencing, and the importation and validation of animal models. As director of the Transgenic Core, Tristan leads a team with deep expertise in developing rigorously designed and thoroughly characterized models that support research across the Institute.

Event Details

Venue: Van Andel Institute 333 Bostwick Ave. NE Grand Rapids

Contact Info:

Email: Courtney Zirkle