The Third Britton Chance International Symposium on Metabolic Imaging and Spectroscopy Project Summary Elucidation of metabolic processes is critical for a wide range of fundamental physiological research and for clinical applications associated with cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular-, skeletomuscular-, lung-, neurological-, and neurodegenerative-diseases, and brain function. Many researchers aim to elucidate metabolic processes, but they do so with the perspective of a particular biomedical field or imaging technology. Unfortunately, few opportunities exist for researchers dedicated to metabolic imaging and spectroscopy to convene outside of their communities. Thus, the goal of this proposed conference is to bring together clinicians, biomedical scientists, and physical scientists from different communities to collaboratively explore key topics in metabolic imaging and spectroscopy, especially as it relates to biomedical and clinical applications. Emphasis will be placed on clinical translation, latest technical developments, and multi-modal metabolic imaging/spectroscopy. The conference program is aligned with the missions and interests of several NIH institutes including the NIBIB, NCI, NINDS, NIA, and NIDDK. Specifically, the conference will feature: 1) In-depth methodology sessions that focus on developing tools for the study of biological/physiological processes such as hemodynamics, glycolysis, mitochondrial bioenergetics, hypoxia and redox state; these processes are common underlying factors in many diseases; 2) Application sessions focused on the connections between metabolism and pathology in cancer, brain, muscle, and visceral organs including heart/lung/liver/kidney; 3) Panel discussions to identify critical research questions, innovations, clinical translation needs, and regulatory issues (e.g., IRB, IND, etc.); 4) A workshop on career development and grant writing to help investigators, particularly new investigators; 5) Enhanced participation of junior researchers (students, postdocs, research associates, and early-stage investigators) facilitated by travel stipends, flash-highlight talks, poster awards, round-table small group discussions with senior researchers; 6) Enhanced diversity by encouraging participation of minorities and women with dedicated travel scholarships. Dr. Chance was a founding father of both in vivo NMR Spectroscopy and Biophotonic Imaging/Spectroscopy, and he was a pioneer in the study of metabolism and physiology. He remains inspirational for many researchers working in different subfields, due to his emphasis on cross-disciplinary research exchange, innovation, and clinical translation, and his efforts to build the scientific community by tirelessly educating and helping students and young researchers. Branding this event as a “Britton Chance” symposium will help increase conference visibility within this diverse research community; indeed, >200 people participated in each of the first two symposiums (2013, 2018). By reflecting and carrying on the scientific spirit of Dr. Chance, we anticipate that this proposed third symposium will stimulate innovation, collaboration, and deeper involvement of junior researchers in the field. After the symposium, both review and research manuscripts will be solicited and published in focused issues of two peer-reviewed journals.

Project Narrative The goal of this conference is to attract scientists from physical sciences and biomedical sciences and clinicians to present and discuss the latest developments of metabolic imaging/spectroscopy methods and their applications for probing cancer and function/diseases of brain, muscle, and visceral organs. The conference will facilitate participation of junior researchers and facilitate exchange between junior researchers and senior faculty across disciplines. This conference commemorates the late Dr. Britton Chance, a founding father of in vivo metabolic imaging and spectroscopy, carrying forth his spirit and legacy in scientific collaboration, innovation, and clinical translation.