2021 Advanced Courses
Courses and workshops to be supported by the FEBS Advanced Courses Programme in 2021 include several events postponed from 2020 as well as new additions. Introductions to the latter are gradually being added, and links to the event websites will be included when these are launched.
Given the Covid situation, please check website homepages for notices or contact the organizers of the course you are interested in to receive the most current information before registration and making travel arrangements
FEBS Youth Travel Fund (YTF) grants are available to assist participation of early-career researchers in events in the FEBS Advanced Courses programme; click here for general information and see the individual course websites for more details. For updates on FEBS events and other activities, sign up to the FEBS e-newsletter (via the right margin of our News page).
FEBS PRACTICAL COURSES
Advanced methods in macromolecular crystallization IX
Nove Hrady, Czech Republic
May 9–15, 2021
macromolcryst2021.febsevents.org
This course for students and postdocs with an interest in macromolecular crystallization is a continuation of eight previous successful FEBS-supported crystallization courses. Its main aim and big advantage compared to other established protein crystallization courses is consideration of theoretical aspects of the crystal growth process as well as practical work: there will be a healthy mix of advanced discussions of the theory and of laboratory experiments and the possibility for participants to crystallize their own proteins. Direct contact between participants and experts in the field acting as teachers and tutors ensures participants will have the possibility of discussing and solving their own scientific problems.
Organizer: Ivana Kuta Smatanova; Co-organizers: Pavlina Rezacova, Jeroen Mesters, Jose Gavira Gallardo
Deadline for applications: TBC
Macromolecule MD simulations for interdisciplinary beginners
Nove Hrady, Czech Republic
September 6–12, 2021
macromoleculemdsimulations2021.febsevents.org
In this practical course, young researchers will learn aspects of molecular dynamics (MD) simulation of biomolecules and their interactions with ligand. Participants will prepare protein structure files and make force-field parameters of ligands, dock ligands to proteins, simulate the resulting complex and analyze the results. Also they will learn the basics of coarse-grained simulations. Social evenings will provide ample opportunities for participants to discuss and exchange information with lecturers informally.
Organizers: Babak Minofar, David van der Spoel, Victor Guallar, Sarah Harris
Deadline for applications: 1 July 2021
Microspectroscopy: functional imaging of biological systems
Wageningen, Netherlands
September 14–23, 2021
microspectroscopy2021.febsevents.org
This 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.
Organizer: Jan Willem Borst
Deadline for applications: TBC
FEBS PRACTICAL AND LECTURE COURSES
Biomolecules in action III
Hamburg, Germany
June 20–25, 2021
The objective of the 3rd edition of this advanced course is to introduce bioscience researchers to contemporary bioanalytical techniques and methods and combinations thereof for analyses and characterization, with a strong focus on preparation and scoring of samples for synchrotron and FEL radiation-based structure analysis. A a well-characterized sample of the biomolecule of interest is the key to obtain high-quality and trustworthy data with whichever bioanalytical technique applied. A multidisciplinary blend of lectures and practical exercises will allow the participants to interact closely with expert tutors to maximize training outcome.
Organizers: Jeroen Mesters, Christian Betzel
Deadline for applications: April 12, 2021
Computational approaches to understanding and engineering enzyme catalysis
Oulu, Finland
October 19–22, 2021
computationalenzymeengineering2021.febsevents.org
This course fits in the 3D-Bioinfo ELIXIR initiative and it will bring together computational and experimental (bio)chemistry experts who will give comprehensive lectures on understanding and engineering enzyme catalysis. Hands-on practical sessions will be focused on how to use state-of-the-art software and webservers – including PROSS, FuncLib, EBI enzyme portal, qFIT and qFIT-ligand, CAVER and DynaComm – complemented by lectures on the EVB and QM/MM methods. In addition, experimental researchers will give lectures on how these in silico approaches have successfully helped them with solving problems in their research on enzyme catalysis.
Organizers: Rikkert Wierenga, Aleksandra Maršavelski
Deadline for applications: June 30, 2021
FEBS ADVANCED LECTURE COURSES
PARP2021
Barcelona, Spain
May 18–21, 2021
This advanced course is designed to establish a forum for the community carrying out research on the family of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs). The topics will cover all PARP-related fields from basic molecular and physiological studies to applied clinical research with an explicit aim to cover drug development and clinical studies. The program includes lectures, round table discussions, oral presentations and poster sessions. All this is organized in a way that facilitates the interaction of the students/young researchers with the experts in the different topics included in the course.
Organizers: Peter Bai, Daniela Corda, Nicola Curtin, Ivan Matic, José Yélamos
Deadline for applications: March 4, 2021
Protein folding, aggregation and compartmentalization
Spetses Island, Greece
August 1–8, 2021
proteinfolding2021.febsevents.org
In this advanced course we have brought together a unique combination of frontiers in science focusing on the the capacity of numerous proteins and peptides to self-assemble into amyloid fibrils. The course includes introductory and state-of-art lectures with special emphasis on amyloid structures, chaperones in amyloid formation, membrane-less organelles, lipids and membranes in amyloid formation, functional amyloids, and pathology of amyloids. In the evening lectures, the different topics will be discussed in an integrative manner. Young researchers will have ample opportunity to meet and to discuss basic and emerging topics with the lecturers as social interactions are an important aspect of the meeting.
Organizers: Bernd Helms, Sheena Radford, Stefan Rüdiger
Deadline for applications: June 1, 2021
Epigenomics, nuclear receptors and disease
Spetses Island, Greece
August 29 – September 3, 2021
Our course aims to provide PhD students and postdocs with different backgrounds an adequate introduction into epigenomics and nuclear receptor signaling, and particularly to cross-fertilize these burgeoning fields to better understand disease mechanisms. The interactive program and the idyllic surroundings will facilitate scientific and social networking during workshops, lunch discussions about lecture topics, poster and short talks sessions, afternoon breaks and tutorial dinners.
Organizers: Eckardt Treuter ([email protected]), Karen E. Knudsen, Susanne Mandrup, Nicolas Venteclef
Deadline for applications: May 10, 2021
Redox alterations and cellular responses: from signalling to interventions
Spetses Island, Greece
September 20–26, 2021
redoxalterations2021.febsevents.org
This course will focus on examining how changes in redox signalling trigger adaptation and the crucial roles of key adaptive processes in preventing cellular degeneration. Emphasis will be given on the role of redox regulation in biological ageing and redox-related models of disease at the molecular, cellular, and organism levels. Participants will have the opportunity to interact frequently in a relaxed setting with prominent senior scientists in the field, and to present and discuss their results in poster sessions and oral presentations. The course will also provide the participants with transferable skills training sessions and career development tutorials.
Organizers: Aphrodite Vasilaki, Niki Chondrogianni
Deadline for applications: March 15, 2021
Matrix pathobiology, signaling and molecular targets
Limenas Hersonissou, Crete, Greece
September 23–28, 2021
This course is designed to cover a wide range of topics, from basic and applied science to clinical applications with a strong focus on recent highlights in the fields of biochemistry, matrix biology, epigenetics, pharmacology and medicine. PhD students and postdoctoral scientists, as well as academic and institute research fellows will have the opportunity to present and discuss their work. Plenary lectures, poster sessions, panel discussions and speaker's corners/meet-the-experts sessions will address and encourage the direct contact of young scientists with the invited experts in discussions about science and career paths.
Organizer: Nikos Karamanos
Deadline for applications: June 1, 2021
360° Lysosome; from structure to genomics, from function to disease: update
Kusadasi, Izmir, Turkey
October 5–10, 2021
The main topics of this course will be lysosome biology and function, new metabolic and signalling insights into the function of lysosomes, and pathophysiological mechanisms of lysosomal dysfunction in living cells. This course will bring together basic scientists studying lysosome function as well as lab researchers and clinicians working in the unique field of molecular and cellular aspects of lysosomal storage diseases.
Organizers: Eser Y. Sozmen, Konrad Sandhoff, Ebru D. Sezer
Deadline for applications: YTFs, July 3, 2021; Other, August 16, 2021
Cellular stress and ADP-ribosylation
Naples, Italy
November 8–13, 2021
cellularstress2021.febsevents.org
This course focuses on the mutual relationship between ADP-ribosylation research and our current knowledge of molecular mechanisms underlying cellular stress responses. It will cover a wide range of topics including recent highlights in the fields of ADP-ribosylation, ubiquitinylation, heat shock and nutritional as well as oxygen stress responses, to present PhD students and postdoctoral scientists, as well as academic and institute research fellows, with novel aspects of pharmaceutical targeting. Plenary lectures, poster sessions, panel discussions and speaker’s corners / meet-the-experts sessions will address and encourage the interaction of young scientists with the invited experts in discussions about science and career paths.
Organizers: Daniela Corda, Michael O. Hottiger
Deadline for applications: TBC
FEBS WORKSHOPS
IUBMB Focused Meeting / FEBS Workshop on
Crosstalk between nucleus and mitochondria in human disease
Seville, Spain
September 7–10, 2021
crossmitonus2021.iubmb-febs.org
The workshop will focus on the communication that exists between mitochondria and the cell nucleus, first described as retrograde signaling between mitochondrial and nuclear genomes. Recently, mitochondrial factors have emerged as response elements to cell nucleus performance. Thus, unraveling the whole connectivity between the biomolecules involved in all this regulatory mitochondria–nucleus crosstalk and its relation to cell fate and physiological state is nowadays a major challenge. Indeed, as a supra-disciplinary field, it demands collaborative efforts involving Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Structural Biology and Cancer Biology, and new approaches in which experimental and computational methods are used.
Organizer: Irene Diaz-Moreno
Deadline for applications: May 15, 2021
3rd FEBS Workshop on
Plant Organellar Signalling
Primošten, Croatia
September 19–23, 2021
The Plant Organellar Signaling workshop will highlight newest developments on organellar signalling with special focus placed on the emerging role of various organelles, crosstalk between different response pathways and novel (and well-known) types of reversible post-translational modifications to fine-tune responses. We will also address recent advances in live-cell imaging that allow analysis of (sub)cellular, tissue-specific or systemic responses as well as work on non-model organisms, especially crops and algae. The workshop will bring together young researchers with experts from various fields who work at the forefront of organellar signalling. An important aim is to facilitate the intensive contact between young researchers and senior scientists aided by accommodation at the same hotel.
Organizers: Ute C. Vothknecht, Markus Teige
Deadline for applications: 30 June 2021
Nucleotide excision repair and crosslink repair – molecules to mankind
Smolenice, Slovak Republic
September 26–30, 2021
nerandcrosslinkrepair2021.febsevents.org
Disruption of nucleotide excision repair (NER) and crosslink repair is associated with devastating heritable human conditions including cancer, bone marrow failure, neurodegeneration and premature aging. Moreover, DNA repair enzymes can counteract the efficiency of many important antitumor drugs during cancer treatment, and the enzymes constitute compelling, but underexplored, targets for drug design. The workshop will address the state-of-the-art scientific progress in the field, moving from molecular science to human biology to explore the basis of disease syndromes associated with defects in NER and crosslink repair as well as investigating strategies to inhibit DNA repair enzymes. It will provide an unparalleled forum for young scientists to meet and engage with experts driving the field.
Organizers: Peter McHugh, Miroslav Chovanec, Caroline Kisker, Bennett Van Houten
Deadline for applications: TBC
Lost in integration – probing biomolecules with electrons, photons, neutrons and magnetic spins
Spetses Island, Greece
September 13–19, 2021
probingbiomolecules2021.febsevents.org
The international course for primarily PhD students (but also postdocs) will include lectures as well as group discussions, journal clubs, panel discussions and posters. With dramatic developments of X-ray and neutron sources, cryo-EM, super resolution microscopy, single-molecule microscopy, NMR, and computation, the possibilities for addressing advanced problems in structural biology and molecular cell biology and physiology are on a fast move. It is increasingly important to integrate many sources of data to achieve proper models of dynamic interactions between biomolecules and how they define cell function. The workshop will address these challenges and also cover the individual methods to stimulate critical discourse and forward-looking visions of integral structural biology.
Organizer: Poul Nissen
Deadline for applications: TBC
JOINT FEBS/EMBO LECTURE COURSES
Molecular mechanisms of interorgan crosstalk in health and disease
Spetses Island, Greece
May 20–28, 2021
This course will bring together leaders in the fields of interorgan crosstalk with early-stage researchers, i.e. PhD students and postdocs. Our Summer School will cover interorgan crosstalk between the nervous system, immune system, kidney, lung, heart, gut, liver, fat, bone, blood and bone marrow. We will also consider effects of the microbiome, metabolome and host pathogen interactions. Our conference represents a unique opportunity for investigators to participate in cross-disciplinary, multi-organ discussions in order to gain new insights into their research, and fosters ample opportunity for interactions between speakers and participants. The Summer School features lectures, small-group discussions and poster sessions, as well as small-group tutorials at the beautiful Anargyrios and Korgialenios School of Spetses; in addition, there are very popular dinners in small groups with course faculty in the town of Spetses.
Organizers: Andreas Herrlich, Eirini Kefalogianni, Stefan Rose-John
Deadline for applications: March 26, 2021
Molecular mechanisms in signal transduction and cancer
Spetses Island, Greece
August 16–24, 2021
We are living in an extremely interesting period in cancer research, with knowledge gained in the last decades now entering the clinic. Most of the successes come from our understanding of basic processes that govern cancer initiation and progression, including signal transduction. Consequently, we see that especially inhibitors to signalling molecules, in particular kinases, are entering the clinic very rapidly. Therefore, the molecular mechanisms by which signals are received by cells, transduced towards the proper targets and integrated into a biological response are amongst the most-studied areas in modern biology. In this Spetses course we are bringing together a number of true experts in the field from basic and translational oncology. The course will cover signalling by various pathways (PI3K, WNT, RAS/RAF) but also DNA damage and protein degradation signalling, the consequences of pathway deregulation for cellular processes like metabolism and damage repair, and the application or translation of this knowledge into the clinic.
Organizer: Boudewijn Burgering. Co-organizer: René Medema
Deadline for applicaitons: April 1, 2021
Molecular mechanisms of ageing and regeneration: from hydra to humans
Spetses Island, Greece
September 5–13, 2021
meetings.embo.org/event/20-ageing-regeneration
This course is part of a very successful series of Summer Schools with a 50-year tradition on the wonderful island of Spetses, Greece. It brings together leaders in the fields of ageing and regeneration with PhD students and postdocs. The meeting combines lectures, discussion groups, poster sessions, tutorials under the olive trees or on the beach, and the very popular common dinners. The intense nature of the course creates a familiar and inspiring atmosphere and fosters interactions between participants and speakers. It thus creates a unique training and networking opportunity.
Organizers: Christoph Englert ([email protected]), Frank Madeo, Julia von Maltzahn
Deadline for applications: TBC
Susan Lindquist school on proteostasis
Rehovot, Israel
November 28–December 2, 2021
A balanced protein homeostasis (proteostasis) is essential to maintain cellular function and includes processes ranging from protein synthesis, to folding and degradation. The Susan Lindquist School on Proteostasis offers an opportunity for the next generation of scientists (graduate students and postdocs) to learn about the widely faceted aspects of proteostasis. It will contain both review-type and current research presentations from leaders in the field of proteostasis (on folding, stress responses, autophagy, ubiquitin-proteasome-system, ageing, disease, and technologies), career development sessions, and numerous opportunities for attendees to network and present their own projects.
Organizers: Ruth Scherz-Shouval ([email protected]), Christian Münch, Matthias Feige, Rebecca Taylor
Deadline for applications: TBC