26th Annual Meeting of the PanAmerican Society for Pigment Cell Research

ABSTRACT The 2025 Annual Meeting of the Pan-American Society for Pigment Cell Research (PASPCR), entitled, “Pigment Cell Research Comes into the Sunshine” will be held in Tampa, FL November 17-20, 2025. Founded in 1988 and made up of approximately 100 members, the PASPCR unites clinicians, developmental biologists, biochemists, immunologists, cell biologists, photobiologists and chemists in the study of pigmentation, melanin and melanocytes. The overall objective of PASPCR 2025 is to increase our knowledge of the normal and abnormal chemistry, biology, and photobiology of the melanocyte across species and its contribution to human health and disease. The goals of the meeting are to (1) highlight recent advances in melanin structure and analysis across species, the pigment cell response to light and other environmental stimuli, including the immune system, and to provide an epigenetic and genome-level understanding of melanocyte function and transformation using relevant animal models and human tissues, (2) bring together investigators and clinicians with strong interests in photoprotection, hair greying, melanocyte developmental and stem cell biology, and (3) provide mentorship to young investigators. In response to requests by trainees and young investigators, we are incorporating a panel discussion focused on pigment cell research in the industry setting. The meeting also features a "Mentorship Mixer" that provides a structured mechanism for students and trainees to obtain scientific and career guidance from well-established scientists. Led by an experienced organizational team, PASPCR 2025 promises to be a conference of lasting impact for the pigment cell biology community.