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The will bring together international experts and early-career researchers to explore the extracellular matrix (ECM) and its interplay with the immune system and tissue-associated microbiome – three interconnected biological systems that shape tissue homeostasis, regeneration, aging, and disease, yet are often studied independently.

Participants will be introduced to state-of-the-art concepts and experimental approaches through a programme of introductory and advanced lectures, discussion sessions, and meet-the-expert activities delivered by leading scientists in ECM biology, immunology, microbiome research, and regenerative biology. The scientific programme will address:

• Structure–function relationships of ECM macromolecules and their roles in tissue assembly
• Mechanisms of ECM remodeling and the influence of matrix-modifying enzymes on immune regulation
• Microbiota-driven modulation of inflammation and ECM dynamics, ECM-mediated signaling, stem cell niche regulation, and tissue regeneration
• Tools and models for probing microenvironmental interactions, including organoids, gnotobiotic systems, and decellularized scaffolds
• Systems biology approaches to integrate ECM, immune, and microbiome signaling networks

Alongside the lectures, the course will feature poster sessions, small-group discussions, and career-development activities. Mentoring and networking events will provide opportunities for participants to build collaborations and interact closely with faculty across disciplines.

What distinguishes this course is its holistic, mechanistic perspective on ECM–immune–microbiome crosstalk, integrating biological systems that are typically examined in isolation. Building on the strong legacy of previous ¹û¶³´«Ã½ ECM courses (2007–2023), which have generated highly cited The ¹û¶³´«Ã½ Journal MiniReview Series and Special Issues, this course aims to equip participants with the conceptual and technological tools needed to advance research in this rapidly developing field. ¹û¶³´«Ã½ Youth Travel Fund (YTF) grants will be available.

Organizers: Nikolaos Afratis, Nikos K. Karamanos, Valerio Izzi, Laurent Duca, Martin Götte

Redox homeostasis is a prerequisite for human health, in which the physiological levels of nonradical reactive oxygen species function as the primary second messengers to modulate physiological redox signaling by orchestrating multiple redox sensors. However, redox dysregulation leads to biomolecule damage and subsequent occurrence of various diseases such as cardiovascular pathology, cancer and neurodegeneration.

The , jointly delivered with the , aims to tackle the intricate redox signaling network that has evolved around cellular metabolism, generation of radical species, and cellular responses that affect growth and death. The speakers will discuss different aspects of redox signaling involved in both physiological and pathological conditions and how dysfunction of this complex signaling network can be targeted to prevent/slow disease onset and progression. Further, different model systems as well as methodological approaches, including transcriptomics, metabolomics, and proteomics, will be discussed to provide students a wider perspective of questions, models, and approaches that can be developed for future studies.

The program offers a diverse array of activities, including training lectures, poster sessions, short presentations by all participants, and ‘meet the expert’ sessions that provide young scientists with the opportunity to engage directly with leading international experts in redox biology.

The course will target early-career researchers (ECRs) from different areas of basic biological sciences and medicine, primarily experienced PhD students and post-doctoral level scientists within 5 years after completion of their doctorate. ECRs will be selected primarily based on their qualifications relevant to the course content, their potential to contribute to the breadth of science, and the benefit they are likely to obtain for their future careers, while ensuring a broad participation from different ¹û¶³´«Ã½ constituent countries and a focus on equality and diversity.

Image: neurons stained with DCF, for ROS assay; from lab of M. Perluigi.

Organizers: Marzia Perluigi, Fabio Di Domenico, Niki Chondrogianni

The will be held in 12–18 October 2026 on the island Spetses, Greece. Brain function depends on the exquisitely controlled spatial and temporal release of neurotransmitters, which are stored in synaptic vesicles (SVs). In addition, synaptic function relies on profound cargo and lipid flux and on organizational principles to recycle and enrich distinct sets of proteins/lipids in local functional and dynamic environments. Recent advances in techniques such as high-resolution imaging, in vitro reconstitution, electrophysiology, molecular modelling, and biophysics have provided remarkably detailed and unsurpassed insights into the molecular components and mechanisms, structural architecture, signaling pathways and pathogenesis underlying neurotransmitter release.

This course aims to provide an integrated perspective on synaptic vesicle dynamics, bringing together experts at the forefront of closely related and highly relevant topics including membrane trafficking, lipid dynamics, neuronal exocytosis, and the organization of supramolecular structures and molecular condensates. The talks will emphasize molecular mechanisms, structure-function relationships, molecular causes of neurological disease, and state-of-the-art technologies. In an informal setting, poster sessions, oral presentations, and casual meet-the-expert rounds will stimulate interactions between students, postdocs and lecturers, establishing scientific and personal networks.

Organizers: Thomas Söllner, Bernd Helms, Felix Wieland

The will take place 19–22 October 2026 in Budapest, Hungary. The course continues the tradition of the Danube Epigenetics Conference series, which has grown into a recognised international brand in the field of chromatin and epigenetics research.

The 2026 event will explore key themes in modern epigenetics, such as epigenetic memory and chromatin dynamics, noncoding RNAs, 3D genome architecture, and gene regulation; germline reprogramming and developmental epigenetics; and AI-powered multiomics and single-cell technologies.

The course will also include an AI & Data Analysis workshop, poster sessions with integrated flash talks, roundtable discussions, social events, and dedicated networking time with speakers. There will be affordable access for your scientists, especially from Central and Eastern Europe.

Additional information can be obtained from this  by the course organizer.

Organizers: Ferenc Mueller, Petra Hajkova, J. Andrew Pospisilik, Celia Martinez-Jimenez, Lorant Szekvolgyi