FEBS Advanced Courses: page 2

Morphogenesis, or change in the three-dimensional configuration of cells within a tissue, remains less well understood than many other aspects of biological development. Explaining morphogenesis requires looking beyond interactions within cells to interactions between cells and their organization at various spatial scales. To study the effect of cell organization on morphogenesis, we must investigate how the spatial arrangement of multiple cell lineages, their interactions, and their local extracellular and mechanical environments influence cell behavior and, ultimately, tissue-level structure. Such investigation is crucial not only for understanding development, but also for understanding how genetic changes propagate through cellular and tissue organization to generate morphological change over evolutionary timescales.

These themes will be the focus of the Joint FEBS/EMBO Lecture Course ‘Biological organization and the evolution of form’ (website in development). Taking place from 22–27 August 2027 in Venice, Italy, the course continues the tradition of evo-devo summer schools in Venice that has run since 2009. We will address the following four questions:

1. How does biological organization (spatial-temporal patterns, shape, extracellular and mechanical context) impact the development of complex form and function?
2. How do we measure, model, and manipulate the organization of biological systems?
3. What are the relative contributions of genetic programs versus physical properties and interactions in the emergence of complex forms?
4. How should the above influence our understanding of the evolution of novel morphologies?

Lectures span diverse approaches (tissue mechanics, gene regulation, cell–cell interaction, evolutionary genetics), model systems, and methods (mathematical, machine learning, physics-based modelling), together with conceptual and historical perspectives.

The format is question-driven, exploratory and participatory. The programme includes participant elevator pitches, small-group journal clubs, and thematic discussion groups chosen by participants. The course is designed primarily for PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, both experimental and theoretical, who are interested in conceptual problems in development and evolution. FEBS grants will be available by application to support registration costs.

The website for this course is under construction.

Organizers: James DiFrisco, Nicole Repina, and Mihaela Pavličev

Mitochondria are far more than the powerhouses of the cell. These dynamic organelles are central to metabolism, signaling, stress responses, and cell fate, while their dysfunction is closely linked to ageing and disease. Rapid advances in cryo-electron microscopy and tomography, super-resolution imaging, proteomics, and functional genomics are now transforming our understanding of mitochondrial organization and function.

This Joint FEBS/EMBO Lecture Course brings together leading researchers and early-career scientists to explore mitochondrial biology from molecular structure to organismal physiology. The program spans mitochondrial biogenesis, metabolism, gene expression, dynamics and quality control, inter-organellar communication, physiology, and disease. A special focus will be the emerging structural biology of mitochondrial biogenesis, highlighting how cutting-edge imaging approaches are reshaping our understanding of respiratory chain assembly, cristae architecture, membrane remodeling, mitochondrial gene expression, and mtDNA dynamics.

True to the tradition of the course, these topics will be explored across diverse model systems, including mammals, yeast, Drosophila, plants, myxozoas, and trypanosomes, bringing together structural, molecular, cellular, physiological, and evolutionary perspectives.

Interaction is at the heart of the course. Early-career researchers will have numerous opportunities to present their work, discuss ideas with experts, and build new connections. Posters will be displayed throughout the meeting, with dedicated evening poster sessions and 1-minute flash presentations providing additional visibility.

Through Meet the PI sessions, students and postdocs can engage in focused one-to-one conversations with PIs at different career stages about science, career development, funding, and future opportunities. Participant-driven round-table discussions will provide further opportunities for open exchange on topics selected by students and postdocs themselves.

Combining cutting-edge science, active participation, mentoring, and networking, the course provides an immersive and collaborative environment for the next generation of mitochondrial researchers.

The website for this course is under construction. 

Organizers: Nina Bonekamp, Torsten Ochsenreiter