The keynote speakers are :

Jan Traas (RDP, ENS-Lyon): Why leaves are flat?

In its most simple form, plant architecture can be described as an assembly of radial symmetric and flat, laminar shapes characterized by bilateral symmetry. Although both types are fundamentally different in shape, we find that their geometry depends on the same cellular process, involving microtubule based amplification of cellular stress heterogeneity, which leads to anisotropic growth of cells. Depending on the primary shape of the primordium, this process can amplify an initial degree of flatness, or promote the formation of (near) radial symmetric, mostly elongating organs.

Pierre-François Lenne (IBDM Marseille): Shaping cell contacts during tissue morphogenesis

It is fascinating to observe how cells assemble into different geometries and change shape to give rise to different tissue shapes, such as the thin wings of the dragonfly, the branched network of the human lung or the faceted eye of the fly. The making of such tissues or organs results from interactions at cell surfaces and communication between cells.  Using physical approaches including optical manipulation and modeling, we study tissue morphogenesis in the fruit fly. I will discuss how cell contacts are organized and shaped during morphogenesis of different tissues. In particular, I will explain how active contractile forces interacts with adhesive forces to remodel cell contacts. I will emphasize the role of mechanical properties that lead to the shaping of tissues.