New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), including organoids and other advanced human-relevant in vitro models, are re-shaping early drug discovery and translational research. These systems provide more physiologically relevant biology for secondary screening, translational validation, and complex disease modelling. 

Microscopy-based imaging plays a critical role in unlocking the full potential of these models, enabling high-resolution visualization of cellular organization, dynamic processes, and disease phenotypes in a 3D context. However, their increasing size and complexity introduce significant challenges: light scattering limits imaging depth, subtle phenotypes require single-cell resolution, and understanding drug response often requires capturing spatiotemporal dynamics and cell–cell interactions across multiple scales.

In this event, we explore how organoids are being applied across early drug discovery and translational research workflows, the challenges associated with working with increasingly complex models, and emerging imaging approaches designed to address these needs.