The MBI-MPG Conference held from 8^th to 12^th September 2025 opened with a warm and cozy welcome on the evening of the first day at Level 10 of the Mechanobiology Institute. The reception provided an early chance for participants to mingle, reconnect, and set the tone for the days ahead.

The following morning, the conference officially began on a high note with Professor Rong Li, Director of the Mechanobiology Institute (MBI), welcoming 284 participants from 21 countries around the world to Singapore. In her opening speech, she reminded attendees that the biennial meeting is more than just a scientific gathering — it is a space to learn, be inspired and explore the latest research on how mechanical forces and interactions shape life across time and space.

One of the most memorable moments of the conference was the Professor Mike Sheetz Memorial Symposium, dedicated to an outstanding and remarkable individual, one of the pioneers of mechanobiology and founding director of MBI. The session began with a deeply moving address by Linda Kenney, President of Mechanobiologics Inc., who spoke not just of his pioneering scientific contributions but of his humanity, mentorship, and boundless curiosity – endearingly termed “Friday-night experiments”. Her words set a heartfelt tone for the session, which featured talks by Professor Sheetz’s close friends, collaborators, and former postdocs — a true testament to the community he built and the enduring impact of his vision.

Across four days of talks, participants explored topics ranging from single-molecule force sensing to tissue-level mechanics, aging, and disease and the latest developments in imaging. The energy of the sessions was matched by a lively social programme: the Hawker Centre Mentorship Night, where invited speakers dished out advice for aspiring scientists over local food; the Conference Banquet, which featured a push-up challenge in honor of Professor Sheetz; and the Rainforest Jungle Walk, which offered a moment of quiet reflection and exploration among Singapore’s greenery. The event concluded with the Concrete Jungle Rooftop Gathering, a fitting finale against the city skyline to celebrate new collaborations and future directions.

This memorable event would not have been possible without the generous sponsors and supporters — including the Paeonia Foundation, Leica Microsystems, Oxford Instruments, Nikon, Optics 11, BGI and Journal of Cell Science — whose contributions made it possible to host travel awards, poster prizes, and a vibrant scientific programme.

Blending cutting-edge science, heartfelt remembrance, and rich opportunities for connection, the MBI-MPG Conference 2025 left participants inspired — and reminded everyone that mechanobiology is as much about people and collaborations as it is about discovery.