Events calendar: page 2

The primary objective of this course is to share the latest knowledge regarding the biochemical, molecular, and genetic mechanisms of fungal pathogenesis with early-career scientists. Additionally, it aims to create valuable networking opportunities for them with renowned experts in this dynamic research field. Through these efforts, the course will play a significant role in enhancing the training of PhD students and post-doctoral fellows engaged in the investigation of fungal pathogens and the control of fungal infections. (Photo credit: Vishu Kumar Aimanianda.)

Website under preparation.

Organizers: Guilhem Janbon, Mike Lorentz, Elaine Bignell

The transglutaminase enzymes are extremely important to normal biological function, having been recognized to perform a myriad of roles relating to signal transduction and protein crosslinking. Dysregulation of their function or expression is the basis of a host of pathologic conditions including fibrosis, inflammation, cancer, celiac disease, skin diseases, diabetes, blood disorders and neurodegenerative disease, and there is a tremendous interest in transglutaminase type 2 as a therapeutic target.

The proposed FEBS Workshop is a much anticipated scientific meeting on known and emerging transglutaminase-related diseases, new methods for detection and novel translational aspects for treatment. It aims to bring together an international group of senior academic and industrial members, with as many as possible early career scientists, future leaders and drivers of this expanding field. The Workshop will feature presentations relevant to all the pathological conditions for which transglutaminase is a relevant target, and will also focus on emerging diseases associated with this class of enzymes, and new methods for their investigation. Additional training sessions will focus on career development and grant capturing. There will be plenty of opportunities for poster or selected oral presentations. Our evening programme is designed to encourage networking and to enjoy all that idyllic Bertinoro has to offer.

Image credit: Created with BioRender.com

Website under preparation.

Organizers: Elisabetta Verderio Edwards, Kiyotaka Hitomi

The ability of cells to perceive and correctly respond to their environment is the basis of development, tissue repair, and immunity as well as normal tissue homeostasis. Errors in the interplay, dynamics or localization of the involved molecules are responsible for many diseases such as cancer, autoimmunity and diabetes. By increasing the understanding of the complex interplay between these various components and their dynamics over time the related diseases can be treated more effectively. Because of the recent technological revolution in advanced light microscopy (i.e. functional imaging of molecules, development of caged compounds and biosensors) it is now possible to directly monitor the dynamics of (single) molecules in living cells. Several new microscopy techniques are ideally suited for studying cellular signals but their application remains limited because most biologists have never been introduced to these technologies.

This 6-day FEBS Practical Course on advanced microscopy for experienced graduate students, postdocs and lab technicians integrates theoretical lectures with hands-on experiments and practical experience. National and international experts in the field of microscopy will give an overview of “state-of-the-art” imaging techniques and applications in biological research. The practicals will focus at the functional imaging techniques FRAP, FCS, FLIM, FRET & Optogenetics. In addition two (advanced) data analysis sessions for ImageJ will be included.

Website under preparation.

Organizers: Mark Hink

Twenty years ago, the initial FEBS crystallization course took place in the Czech Republic, becoming a celebrated tradition for students and postdocs worldwide. Not even pandemics halted its continuity, with the ninth course held offline in August 2021. Given its enduring popularity, the organizers will organize the tenth-anniversary edition in June 2024. While cryoEM advances have transformed structural biology, X-ray diffraction remains vital, particularly for studying protein–inhibitor/substrate complexes. However, the challenges in biological macromolecule crystallization persist. The course aims to bridge the gap between new insights and practical application, fostering rational approaches. Renowned experts will guide students, maintaining the tradition of these successful courses, with added topics such as fragment-screening, intracellular crystallization, and cryo-EM basics. The course’s practical focus, theory discussions, and laboratory experiments create a unique learning experience, building on past successes. Lecturers from the past courses are invited, providing their valuable expertise to participants.

Website under preparation.

For queries in the meantime, please contact Prof. Smatanova (ivan[email protected]) or Assoc. Prof. Rezacova ([email protected]).

Organizers: Ivana Kuta Smatanova with co-organizers Pavlina Rezacova, Jeroen R. Mesters, Jose A. Gavira Gallardo

The FEBS Young Scientists’ Forum (YSF) is a popular event for about 100 PhD students and postdocs mostly from the FEBS area that takes place in conjunction with – and just before – the annual FEBS Congress. Selected applicants are supported by FEBS grants. The YSF comprises opportunities for participants to present their own research work, receive career advice, hear and meet keynote lecturers, and enjoy a social programme. YSF participants also go on to experience the FEBS Congress, which is one of the largest gatherings in the biosciences in Europe.

Deadline for applications: 7 December 2023

‘FEBS 2024’ will include several plenary lectures from outstanding research leaders, for inspiration and a broad perspective on recent research progress across the molecular and cellular life sciences; symposia sessions offering deeper dives into important research areas; special sessions for additional interest; and opportunities for those attending to be active participants by presenting their own work as talks or posters. See you in Milano!