Topic

From Bench to Berlin: Translating a lab idea for the Falling Walls Stage

From lab bench to global spotlight, this presentation examines how scientific research and entrepreneurial thinking converge to drive innovation. Featuring the experience of Dr. Richard Keijzer and MD/PhD student Nolan De Leon, who represented Canada at Falling Walls Berlin 2024, it offers a behind-the-scenes look at sharing impactful research on the world stage.

Speakers

Dr. Richard Keijzer

Dr.  Richard Keijzer is a pioneering researcher in the field of pediatric surgery and congenital anomalies, with a particular focus on congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and abnormal lung development.

His cutting-edge research delves into the mechanisms of normal and abnormal lung development due to CDH, with the ultimate goal of developing a prenatal therapeutic intervention to improve the outcomes for babies born with this condition.

Using state-of-the-art techniques, he is uncovering the role of microRNAs and circular RNAs in the pathogenesis of CDH, and his findings have the potential to revolutionize the way we approach the treatment of this debilitating condition.

As a pediatric surgeon-scientist and the Thorlakson Chair in Surgical Research, Dr.  Keijzer is uniquely qualified to bring his research from the laboratory to the bedside, where it can make a real impact on the lives of children and their families.

He is also a member of the Biology of Breathing theme at CHRIM and the Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Study Group, his work is well respected by his peers and has won multiple awards and recognitions.

Nolan De Leon

Nolan S. De Leon is an M.D./Ph.D. student in physiology and pathophysiology at the University of Manitoba, focusing on fetal development. He aims to unravel the causes of birth defects by examining epigenetic and transcriptomic factors, particularly circular RNAs, as regulators of disease and potential diagnostic biomarkers. His research on Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia has garnered international recognition, reflecting his commitment to advancing medical knowledge and leadership in healthcare. Nolan is the recipient of the Doctors Manitoba Top 40 under 40 Award, the Canadian Federation of Medical Students Leadership Award, and the International Michael Höllwarth Pediatric Surgery Award for Best Clinical Research (2025). He was recognized as the Manitoba Falling Walls Lab (2024) Winner and represented Canada in Berlin at Falling Walls (2024).

Details

February 9, 2026
9:00 – 10:00 AM
JBRC 500