This session, organised as part of the Global Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Week, showcased the creation of an international network of excellence in mitochondria research bringing together experts in different aspects of mitochondrial discovery research but also generating an interdisciplinary ‘collective’ of international scientists, social scientists, bioethicists, patient groups, clinical groups and design researchers seeking to contribute to the understanding and caring for mitochondrial diseases and dysfunctions using innovative approaches.

The webinar builds on previous activities on 'Mitochondria and Us' in Mitochondrial Disease Awareness week 2020, several 'Crossover workshops' on interdisciplinary approaches between scientists, social scientists and designers and activities of the Mitochondrial Innovation Initiative, 'MITO2i'.

Invited speakers:

• Professor Kostas Tokatlidis (University of Glasgow): The Mitochondria and Us Showcase
• Professor Ana Andreazza (University of Toronto): The Mito2i showcase
• Dr Michael Johnson (GSA): The Crossover showcase
• Sonya Brijbassi M.Sc., Mitochondrial Innovation Initiative (MITO2i)

During the second part of the session, five representatives from different Patient Organizations were invited to join the discussion:

• Dr. Amel Karaa, President of the Mitochondrial Medicine Society
• Dr. Philip Yeske, Scientific and Alliance Officer at the United Mitochondria Disease Foundation
• Christine Beal, Co-Founder and Chair, My Mito Mission
• Alison Maguire, Head of Research and Finance at The Lily Foundation
• Kate Murray, CEO and President, MitoCanada Foundation

This webinar was chaired by Dr Pedro Ferreira.