FEBS Advanced Courses: page 2

The 2nd FEBS Workshop on Redox Medicine will focus on “Connecting the exposome with redox regulation in health and disease”, reflecting the importance of the emerging knowledge on the multifaceted interaction with the external environment, collectively termed the exposome. The workshop will explore the dynamic redox regulation of signaling pathways observed for physiological concentrations of biological oxidants (oxidative eustress) and the dysregulation of redox homeodynamics (oxidative distress), commonly observed in several pathophysiological conditions, highlighting the importance of redox biology in medicine, both from the physiological but also the pathological perspective. The main goal is to promote an environment where young researchers can interact with prominent senior researchers. Join us for a workshop that includes lectures by invited speakers and short presentations by participants selected from submitted abstracts.

The event website is under preparation.

Organizers: Ana Ledo, Barbara Rocha

Ageing is associated with an increased risk of developing various blood disorders, either malignant, e.g. myelodysplastic syndromes, or non-malignant, e.g. anemias. However, the molecular and cellular pathways in hematopoietic aging and associated hematological disease remain poorly understood. To address gaps in our knowledge, our Workshop will bring together basic, translational and clinical scientists to discuss key regulators of hematopoietic stem cell ontogeny, cell fate specification and self-renewal upon aging and malignant transformation, highlighting state-of-the-art technologies such as imaging, single-cell sequencing and model systems. The FEBS Workshop is also supported by the JM Foundation and will take place in the beautiful setting of Sissi in Crete.

Organizers: John Strouboulis

The FEBS Advanced Lecture Course on Human fungal pathogens (HFP) has established itself as a reference event in the field, with ten successful editions since 2005. The upcoming 2026 meeting marks the 11th edition of this renowned course, bringing together international experts and early-career researchers to explore key advances in fungal pathogenesis.

The FEBS Advanced Lecture Course “HFP2026: Molecular mechanisms of host-pathogen interactions and virulence in human fungal pathogens” will focus on the molecular, biochemical, and genetic mechanisms underlying fungal virulence, host-pathogen interactions, antifungal resistance, and immune evasion. The programme includes keynote lectures, plenary talks, interdisciplinary workshops, and short oral presentations selected from participant abstracts.

The course will cover a wide range of cutting-edge topics—from fungal genomics and RNA biology to cross-kingdom microbial interactions and immune dynamics—offering a comprehensive view of fungal infections at the molecular level.

The primary aim of HFP2026 is to share cutting-edge knowledge with early-career scientists and create valuable networking opportunities with leaders in fungal biology. Through its fully residential and interactive format, the course offers an immersive environment for learning, discussion, and career development. (Thumbnail photo credit: S. Dellière and Institut Pasteur/CNRMA).

The course website is under construction. Additional information can be obtained from this FEBS Network post by a course organizer.

Organizers: Jessica Quintin, Clarissa Nobile, Agostinho Carvalho

The FEBS Advanced Lecture Course “Retina in a dish: Methods & applications in Life Sciences” will take place in Kuopio, Finland, 8–12 June 2026. This five-day summer school will bring together leading experts and early-career researchers to explore the retina as a versatile ex vivo model system – not only for ophthalmology, but also for neuroscience, pharmacology, and broader translational research.

Thanks to its transparency, layered architecture, and shared neurodevelopmental origin with the brain, the retina is the most accessible and best-characterized neuronal tissue in the body. Unlike conventional brain slices, retinal explants can be dissected in full and maintained in culture for extended periods, enabling detailed investigations into structure–function relationships, disease mechanisms, and therapeutic strategies.

Participants will engage in lectures, tutorials, and video demonstrations covering organotypic retina culture techniques, including dissection, media optimization, imaging, and electrophysiological recordings. The course will also address applications in drug testing, gene therapy, and functional assays, alongside sessions on scientific publishing, grant writing, and career development.

A key aim of the course is to share practical insights and “hidden knowledge” that often remain unpublished – such as troubleshooting culture conditions, selecting optimal consumables, and maintaining tissue viability. By fostering open exchange and collaboration, the course seeks to accelerate progress in retinal research and support efforts to combat blindness.

Hosted at the University of Eastern Finland’s Kuopio Campus, with accommodation at Scandic Hotel Kuopio by Lake Kallavesi, the course offers both scientific depth and a scenic setting. Abstract submission is required to be eligible for FEBS Youth Travel Fund (YTF) grant applications.

The course website is under construction. Additional information can be obtained from this FEBS Network post by the course organizer.

Organizers: Henri Leinonen, Petri Ala-Laurila, Blanca Arango-Gonzalez