This workshop aims to bridge the two different disciplines of biophysics and dynamic structural biology, covering time-resolved spectroscopic (optical and vibrational spectroscopy) and X-ray techniques (crystallography and scattering at synchrotrons and XFELs). The synergy of the experimental techniques will be complemented by computational approaches. Particular attention will be given to fostering collaborations between experts from these different areas and to the training of young researchers. To that end the lectures will have a strong educational element including training sessions with hands-on experience in the analysis of time-resolved spectroscopic and crystallographic data.

The following topics will be covered: time-resolved spectroscopy (infrared, Raman, circular dichroism, fluorescence), time-resolved serial crystallography at synchrotrons and XFELs, time-resolved cryo EM, fast-mixing techniques, sensory photoreceptors of optogenetic interest, rhodopsins, heme proteins, flavoproteins, cryptochromes, LOV domains, BLUF domains, UV-damage, computational biology (MD simulations, DFT, QM/MM), photophysics, membrane proteins, photosynthetic systems and software development for serial crystallography.

Organizers: Sofia Maria Kapetanaki, András Lukács, Giorgio Schirò, Sofia Jaho

The field of ADP-ribosylation has observed a substantial expansion in the last several years, driven by the recent emergence of new technologies in cell biology, proteomics, chemistry, structural biology and the expanding roles of ADP-ribosylation in cancer but also bacterial or viral infections. This FEBS Advanced Lecture Course aims to address recent breakthroughs, but also current advancements and challenges on PARPs and ADP-ribosylation, from the fundamental biochemical, cellular and structural aspects to the translational clinical uses in oncological and non-oncological applications.

Organizers: Françoise Dantzer, Ivan Ahel, Peter Bay, Daniela Corda, Nicola Curtin, Hana Hanzlikova, Ivan Matic, Gyula Timinsky, Jose Yelamos

This FEBS Practical Course highlights different microscopic and spectroscopic methodologies to study biomolecular processes in living cells such as: (multiphoton) confocal microscopy, Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) microscopy, fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM), super-resolution microscopy, total internal reflection microscopy (TIRF), fluorescence correlation microscopy (FCS), and single-molecule detected fluorescence.
Image taken by Andriy Volkov.

Organizers: Jan Willem Borst, Yvonne Stahl, Koen van den Dries, Stefanie Weidtkamp

The last four decades of research have firmly established sphingolipids as dynamic regulators of cellular functions with profound links to human health and disease. The advent of new technologies has dramatically expanded the sphingolipid universe and further illuminated the far-reaching impact of sphingolipids in physiology and pathology. Building on this, the 2025 FEBS Special Meeting on Sphingolipid Biology: Breaking Boundaries will provide a unique forum to hear the latest developments in sphingolipid research and hopes to catalyze collaborative efforts that transcend traditional boundaries.

Organizers: Liana C. Silva, Mariana Nikolova-Karakashian, Stefka Spassieva, Chris Clarke, Noemi Jimenez-Rojo

The 2025 FEBS Advanced Lecture Course “Emerging Insights from Structural Biology into Molecular Mechanisms of Diseases” offers a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of cutting-edge research in the field. Designed for early-career scientists, the event features lectures from world-leading experts from both academia and industry, career development sessions, and numerous chances to network with renowned professionals in an inclusive environment. Present your own work through posters or selected talks and engage in discussions that could shape your future research and career. So, if you are passionate about structural biology in a medical context, this meeting is not to be missed!

Organizers: Albert Guskov, Katharina Dürr, Dirk Slotboom

Supported by the European Science Foundation (ESF), EMBO, and FEBS, biological surfaces and interfaces meetings running between 2003 and 2022 (8 editions) have been the forum for exchange of ideas between scientists active in this area, and a uniquely supportive environment for the training of young interdisciplinary scientists. With the 2025 meeting, we will focus on a new aspect of research into biointerfaces: the understanding of the complex interactions at the biointerfaces at the molecular level, by introducing cutting-edge techniques such as machine learning, big data approach such as hyperspectral microscopy, friction force microscopy, CRISPR-based genetic engineering tools, small-angle X-ray scattering, neutron reflectometry. The course will provide insights in dynamic processes at the interface between lipids, proteins (including enzymes and peptides) and bio- and nanomaterials, also shedding light on how specific electrolytes modulate the interactions among them. Additionally, the design of interfaces which provide dynamic and controlled spatio-temporal stimuli, as well as the drug design, by controlling the behaviour of protein–drug, lipid–drug, or also protein/enzyme–nanoparticle interfaces, will be presented. The workshop aims at understanding a multidisciplinary area – biological interfaces – from a more biophysical point of view, which is a unique perspective. Abstract deadline for oral and poster presentation is 28 February 2025 and the late abstract deadline only for posters is 31 March 2025.

The event website is under development.

Organizers: Andrea Salis

Deadline for applications: 20 April 2025

The FEBS workshop “Conservation and Diversity of Gene Regulatory Mechanisms Across Eukaryotes” aims to bridge the gap between research on gene transcription regulation in model and non-model organisms. While model organisms have driven discoveries in gene expression, non-model systems offer unique insights into the conservation and diversity of regulatory mechanisms, including chromatin organization. The event will bring together researchers working on yeasts, flies, plants, mammals, and other less-studied organisms, using genomics, structural biology, and computational approaches. With enthusiastic support from invited speakers, this workshop will foster interdisciplinary discussions and highlight the evolutionary and mechanistic aspects of gene transcription across diverse systems.

Organizers: Folkert van Werven