Highlights from ICRS 2025: Celebrating Science and Community in Bloomington

Professor Katarzyna Starowicz, as President of International Cannabinoid Research Society and 2025 Chair of the Scientific Committee, had the privilege of welcoming the international cannabinoid research community to Bloomington, Indiana, for the 35th Annual Symposium on the Cannabinoids.

Under her leadership, the scientific program encompassed the full spectrum of cannabinoid and endocannabinoid research — from molecular mechanisms to translational and clinical applications. The full program is available here.

Two Presidential Plenary Lectures stood out as milestones of the meeting:

• Prof. Franziska Denk delivered a visionary lecture on neuroinflammation in pain, urging the community to rethink overlooked mechanisms in chronic pain.
• Prof. Vincenzo Di Marzo presented a sweeping perspective on the transition from endocannabinoids as intercellular signals to the broader concept of the “endocannabinoidome.”

Both lectures were truly special for the ICRS President — and particularly that of Prof. Di Marzo, since it was thanks to him that Professor Starowicz’s journey into (endo)cannabinoid research began. Her postdoctoral fellowship in his laboratory was a formative experience, offering not only scientific excellence but also a model of mentorship and generosity. It was therefore especially meaningful that she had the honor of introducing his lecture.

A particularly extraordinary moment was the Mid-Career Award Lecture by Professor Alessia Ligresti. Her data-rich and deeply personal presentation highlighted not only a brilliant research program and record of publications but also her gratitude to mentors, collaborators, and lab members.

The scientific program offered many other highlights, including:
The Early Career Award Lecture by Dr. Thomas Gamage, highlighting innovative approaches and the energy of the next generation of scientists. As well as the Lifetime Achievement Award Lectures by Prof. Mauro Maccarrone, exploring the interplay between endocannabinoids and bioactive lipids; and by Prof. Melanie Kelly, reflecting on pioneering research in cannabinoid signaling in ocular physiology and its translational potential.

Prof. Manuel Guzmán, The Mechoulam Awardee presented new insights into cannabinoid tolerance and the evolving landscape of endocannabinoid biology.

The Kang Tsou Memorial Lecture was delivered by Dr. Richard Di Marchi, Distinguished Professor at Indiana University, entitled “Medicinal evolution of natural hormones to transform drug treatment of obesity.” His lecture, tracing the development of insulin analogs and innovative incretin-based therapies, was received with extraordinary interest and admiration by the audience.

During the ICRS Business Meeting, the community celebrated the exciting announcement that the next symposium, ICRS 2026, will take place in Dijon, France (📅 June 28 – July 2, 2026), and will be hosted by Dr. Tony Jourdan. The Business Meeting also honored Jason B. Schechter for his 23 years of outstanding service — including 22 years as webmaster and 13 years as Managing Director — whose work fundamentally shaped the Society and its membership.

Awards and Recognition
During the conference banquet, held in the beautiful Tudor Room at Indiana University, Professor Starowicz — together with Prof. Ziva Cooper, Chair of the ICRS Awards Committee, and Prof. Aron Lichtman, Chair of the Mechoulam Award Committee — was proud to congratulate this year’s awardees:
Brian Thomas – Lifetime Achievement Award
Steven Kinsey – Career Achievement (Mid-Term)
Andrea Hohmann – Raphael Mechoulam Award
Tory Spindle – Early Career Award

The conference banquet dinner also provided an occasion for expressions of gratitude and formal remarks. Warm congratulations are extended to our local host, Prof. Heather Bradshaw, and her outstanding team, whose commitment made the meeting in Bloomington both memorable and inspiring. Congratulations are likewise due to all the pre- and postdoctoral students who received awards. Special thanks are owed to Prof. Steve Alexander, who for many years has led the student award judging process with remarkable dedication.

The banquet was also a moment for reflection: Professor Starowicz looked back on her term with gratitude for the support of her collaborators and extended best wishes to President-Elect Prof. Mario van der Stelt — an expert in medicinal chemistry, Chair of Molecular Physiology at Leiden University, and above all, a great friend — as he takes on this mission for the coming year.

Community and Gratitude
For Katarzyna, the spirit of ICRS lies not only in the quality of its science but also in its sense of community — in the poster sessions, mentorship events, and the informal exchanges that build strong professional and personal bonds. Katarzyna extends her heartfelt gratitude to Executive Director, Steven Kinsey, and Managing Director, Tiffany Lee, for their tireless dedication, as well as to all members of the Scientific Committee for shaping such a dynamic and inspiring program.

The ICRS Board of Directors and Professor Starowicz thank every participant — speakers, poster presenters, students, mentors, and friends — for contributing to an unforgettable symposium of rigorous science, collegiality, and shared inspiration.

Professor Starowicz now continues to serve on the ICRS Board of Directors in her new role as Past President, and will take on the responsibility of Chair of the Awards Committee.

See you all in Dijon for #ICRS2026!