Hosted in Brussels, Belgium, from 5-7 November 2006, the second STEP (Strategy for the EuroPhysiome) Conference marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of computational physiology. Building directly on the foundational discussions of its predecessor, this event was dedicated to advancing the ambitious vision of the Virtual Physiological Human (VPH). The VPH initiative sought to create a framework for collaborative, integrative, and computational modeling of the human body, aiming to revolutionize personalized healthcare, biomedical research, and drug development.
The primary objective of Conference 2 was to deepen and broaden the strategic roadmap for VPH development. It served as a critical physical forum to discuss and refine ideas generated from an ongoing, extensive internet-based debate that followed the inaugural STEP Conference held in May 2006. Participants—including leading scientists, clinicians, engineers, and policymakers—convened to translate conceptual frameworks into actionable plans. The discussions focused on identifying key technological, infrastructural, and collaborative issues necessary to make the VPH a tangible reality, with the goal of informing the final roadmap document scheduled for publication in March 2007.
The conference was designed to facilitate both high-level scientific discourse and practical networking. The venue in Brussels was strategically chosen for its accessibility within Europe. To assist attendees with logistics, the organizers provided detailed information on registration, hotel booking, and local transportation. Notably, they offered a downloadable map of the Brussels metro system, updated to include new stations and clear indicators for the conference hotels and the official banquet location, ensuring seamless navigation throughout the event.
The structured programme balanced plenary sessions, focused workshops, and social events like a welcome reception and a formal banquet. These events were crucial for fostering the interdisciplinary community essential to the VPH's success.
STEP Conference 2 was more than a standalone event; it was a vital catalyst in a sustained effort. The debates and collaborations initiated here significantly contributed to shaping the European research agenda in biomedical engineering and computational biology. The conference solidified key community partnerships and helped prioritize funding and research directions for the coming decade. The iterative process—from online debate to in-person conference to published roadmap—exemplified a novel and inclusive approach to shaping large-scale scientific infrastructure.
The vision articulated in Brussels continued to evolve, influencing subsequent EU-funded projects and research networks. The foundational work discussed in 2006 remains highly relevant, as seen in modern initiatives and updates that build upon the VPH paradigm. The gathering stands as a testament to the power of collaborative vision in driving forward one of the most integrative projects in modern life sciences.
In retrospect, the 2006 conference provided an essential platform for aligning diverse expertise toward the common goal of the Virtual Physiological Human. Its outcomes helped secure the VPH's position as a central pillar of future biomedical research, demonstrating how strategic conferences can effectively steer the course of scientific progress and innovation. The dialogues begun in Brussels echoed through subsequent years, underscoring the event's role in laying the groundwork for a more integrated and computational future in human health.