The 2026 FEBS Congress highlighted the value of international scientific collaboration through a series of activities jointly organised by FEBS and the Korean Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (KSBMB). Building on the partnership established last year, FEBS and KSBMB came together in Maastricht to promote scientific exchange and strengthen connections between European and Asian researchers.
The FEBS–KSBMB Special Session ‘Cutting-edge techniques in biochemistry: past, present and future’ showcased technologies that are advancing our understanding of the molecular basis of life. Chaired by Tae-Kyung Kim (KSBMB) and Irene Díaz-Moreno (FEBS), the session included talks by two mid-career scientists from South Korea – Hyun-Woo Rhee (Seoul National University) and Sang-Hee Shim (Korea University) – and two FEBS Excellence Award recipients – Eugene Kim (Max Planck Institute of Biophysics) and Jack Bravo (Institute of Science and Technology Austria). The talks highlighted the latest advances and applications of super-resolution proximity labeling (SR-PL), electronic resonance stimulated Raman scattering (ER-SRS), visualization of DNA loop extrusion by SMC protein complexes, and cryo–electron microscopy (cryo-EM). Together, the presentations illustrated developments in imaging technologies, as well as their importance in enabling researchers to gain new insights into molecular mechanisms.
Congress attendees also had an opportunity to engage with KSBMB delegates and attendees from South Korea at the Korean Night hosted at the Congress. The event featured a Korea-themed quiz and Korean food, and provided a memorable evening for networking.
FEBS looks forward to continuing this successful collaboration with KSBMB by participating in the KSBMB International Conference next year.
