Subject: VPH newsletter - March 2026

Dear reader,

Registration for VPH2026 is officially open!

This year’s event is already shaping up to be an exciting and impactful gathering for the community. We are thrilled to share that we have received over 500 abstract submissions, reflecting the growing engagement of our community and the continued expansion of the in silico field worldwide.

Special discounted registration rates are available for VPH members, so please make sure to renew your membership or apply before registering.

VPH Team

POLICY

AI model evaluation lifecycle at MetReal Cluster Meeting

REALM- the R&I consortium that VPH is part of- recently participated in the MetReal Multistakeholder Meeting that took place in Copenhagen on 2-3 March 2026.

EMA releases the NDSG Workplan 2026–2028 on Data and AI in medicines regulation

On 9 March 2026, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) published the Network Data Steering Group (NDSG) Workplan 2026–2028 outlining a strategic roadmap for strengthening the use of data and AI across the European medicines regulatory network.

Digital Europe Programme strengthens AI, health data, and modelling capacities across the EU

The European Commission has announced an amendment to the Digital Europe Work Programme 2025–2027, reinforcing Europe’s commitment to advancing strategic digital capacities and responding to evolving technological priorities.

FDA advances regulatory use of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs)

On 18 March 2026, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a new draft guidance titled "General Considerations for the Use of New Approach Methodologies in Drug Development", marking a significant step toward integrating innovative, non-animal methodologies into regulatory decision-making.

COMMUNITY

Wear In Silico Medicine

We’re thrilled to unveil a limited-edition collection of VPH-branded t-shirts, available during the VPH2026 registration process, to celebrate the launch of our official merchandise.

Unlock your VPH member discount for the VPH2026 Conference

The upcoming VPH Conference is just around the corner, and we are pleased to remind all members that they can benefit from exclusive discounted registration fees.

REALM Workshop: Patients Driving the Future of Medical AI

Highlights from the REALM Patient Group Workshop on safety, trust, and real-world impact

In the literature: March 2026 highlights

Discover the recently published papers from our community!

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

The biggest epidemic you’ve probably never heard of

A 2005 World of Warcraft bug triggered a virtual epidemic that revealed how human behavior shapes disease spread

Click here

THE DIGITAL TWIN THEORY PODCAST

21. Lost in Translation? Bridging the Gap Between Models and Medicine

In this episode, a biomedical engineer, Morgane Garreau, and a physician, Christian Kassasseya, share how to bridge computer modelling and clinical reality

Click here

YOUNG SCIENTISTS

VPH Webinar Series | 13 April 2026 | What do modelers do outside academia? (Registration Open)

Computational modelling is opening careers beyond academia, but paths can be unclear. Join this VPH webinar to hear experts from industry, regulation, and start-ups share insights and experiences.

VPH Webinar Series | March 2026 | Network-based models of transport in the lungs and placenta (Recording Available)

In the first 2026 VPH Young Scientists webinar, Carl Whitfield (University of Manchester) presented network-based models of lung and placental transport and their potential for personalised, in silico medicine.

Join our Slack channel for students and young scientists!

VPH has launched a public Slack channel for young members to connect, share ideas, and engage with the Young Scientists Committee.

Job Board March 2026

PhD, postdoc, academic positions, and other opportunities

EVENTS

DealiiX Seminar on finite element solvers with matrix-free infrastructure of deal.II

7 April 2026 | Online

AiMed2026 – Artificial Intelligence in Medicine

7-9 May 2026 | Krakow, Poland

ESTIV Congress 2026

29 June - 2 July 2026 | Maastricht, The Netherlands

Special highlights include a dedicated session on in silico toxicology and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the VPH Society and ESTIV.

10th World Congress of Biomechanics – ESB2026

11-15 July 2026 | Vancouver, Canada