Cascais, Portugal
2025 Vallee Scholars Reunion Meeting
Scientific Synergy in Cascais: A Milestone 10th Reunion for Vallee Scholars
The Vallee Scholars program began in 2013 with the appointment of three Young Investigators, as they were called at the time. Two years later, we hosted our inaugural Vallee Scholar Meeting—an intimate gathering of six. Today, the program has grown to include 59 Scholars, and ten years after that first meeting, more than half—including all three original appointees and at least one from every subsequent year—convened at the Grande Real Villa Itália in Cascais from June 27 to July 1, 2025. They came to celebrate, reconnect with familiar faces, forge new collaborations, share their latest discoveries, and be inspired—all set against the stunning backdrop of the Portuguese coastline. Also in attendance were several Vallee Visiting Professors (VVPs) who have served on the Selection Committee over the years. It really was a fabulous meeting.
CHECK OUT THE PHOTO GALLERY UNDERNEATH THE SWAG BAG
The multidisciplinary program highlighted the depth and diversity of Vallee-supported science. Across 19 talks and four flash talk sessions, we heard from all 36 Scholars in attendance. The presentations spanned cellular biology, genetics, microbiology, neuroscience, and metabolism, with topics ranging from spaceflight-driven hematopoiesis and gut–brain axis dynamics to memory stabilization, aging, ferroptosis, CRISPR engineering, and developmental biology.
Time was also set aside to unwind and explore the charming coastal town. Shared meals—on-site and off—along with a guided tour of the sprawling Baroque palace of Mafra, provided space to foster camaraderie beyond the lecture hall. Building a community takes time and critical mass; this first reunion meeting made clear that we have done just that. The buzz was unmistakable—in conversations around the pool, on the terrace, and in meeting breaks.
As always, “graduating” Vallee Scholars received handcrafted glass commemorative plates, and a group photo honored both the program’s growth and the enduring strength of the Vallee Scholar network.
Designed to ignite meaningful dialogue and reflect the richness of perspectives within our community, the meeting was as much about scientific exchange as it was about cultivating lasting connections. In his summation on the last day, VVP Ron Vale noted that he had found a Portuguese quotation in his room that afternoon: "Por mares nunca dantes navigados." It comes from a poem, Os Lusiadas by Luis Vaz de Camões, and translates as "Through seas never before navigated." The science presented over the preceding three days showed that Vallee Scholars are doing just that.
“The talks are fantastic (of course because the fellows are spectacular scientists) and the community is wonderful and lasting. The large amount of time provided for informal interaction is really great. Plus, the families feel welcome and that is important, especially for the women scientists because it allows them to attend. Vallee has made it so young parents, women especially, are not choosing between their science careers and their duties to their families. And, of course, the venues are off the charts so everyone feels lucky to be there.” VVP Bonnie Bassler (Princeton University)
