Time-resolved spectroscopy has transformed our understanding of protein function by probing excited states and tracking the kinetic evolution of intermediates generated upon activation. Time-resolved X-ray methods, like crystallography and solution scattering can provide atomic-resolution snapshots of structural changes and information on the conformational dynamics, respectively. Because no single experimental technique can fully capture the complexity of biomolecular dynamics, theoretical approaches such as molecular dynamics simulations and quantum-mechanical calculations are essential for interpreting and integrating the experimental findings.

The 91���� Workshop ‘Time-resolved spectroscopy meets time-resolved crystallography: Advances and challenges’ aims to bring together researchers working in the fields of time-resolved spectroscopy and time-resolved X-ray diffraction and scattering techniques as well as computational methods to present recent advances, discuss current challenges, and strengthen interdisciplinary collaborations. A particular emphasis will be placed on emerging triggering strategies beyond light, including ligand mixing, photocage release, microfluidics, and chemically triggered reactions, expanding time-resolved studies to biological systems that are intrinsically light-sensitive. The workshop will also highlight state-of-the-art instrumentation and methodologies developed at large-scale research facilities.

The following topics will be addressed:

• time-resolved spectroscopy
• time-resolved serial crystallography at synchrotrons and XFELs
• time-resolved X-ray solution scattering
• time-resolved cryo EM
• sensory photoreceptors of optogenetic interest, membrane proteins, photosynthetic systems, UV-damage, heme proteins, flavoproteins
• various triggering strategies including chromophore excitation, photo-uncaging, mixing and diffusion, temperature-jumps, electric field stimulation, etc.
• computational biology (MD simulations, DFT, QM/MM)
• software development for time-resolved spectroscopy and time-resolved serial crystallography

This third edition builds on the successful meetings held in and (see also this ) and broadens its scope by encompassing research on biological systems that are not naturally light-sensitive, while keeps fostering interdisciplinary collaboration across the above-mentioned scientific communities.

The website for this course is under construction. Read this  for more information from the co-organizers.

(Image credit to the course organizers, with help from AI.)

The 2027 Joint 91����/EMBO Lecture Course on ‘Biological surfaces and interfaces – Applications, challenges, and opportunities across disciplines’ aims to bridge this gap by bringing together leading and early-career researchers as well as industry innovators in a distinctively designed meeting to exchange ideas, establish collaborations, and explore emerging opportunities across the life science and engineering.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the course continues its tradition of fostering an interactive and collaborative environment for participants. In its latest edition, participants will explore topics such as:

• Biomedical devices and implants
• Bioprinting and tissue engineering
• Nanoparticles applications at the biointerface
• Tools for understanding the biointerface

The course will also highlight a broad range of applications including targeted drug delivery, precision diagnostics, biosensors, and responsive therapeutic systems. Through lectures, poster sessions, panel discussions, and scientific interactions, participants will learn about current challenges, emerging technologies, and future directions in this rapidly evolving field along with the regulatory challenges and ethical considerations in translation efforts.

The meeting will take place at Sant Feliu de Guixols, Girona, Spain, a captivating mediterranean setting that combines a stimulating scientific atmosphere with informal discussions, collaboration, and networking.

By bringing together diverse perspectives, this joint 91����/EMBO course reflects the shared missions of 91���� and EMBO which is promoting excellence in molecular life sciences, catalyzing collaboration, and accelerating the translation of fundamental discoveries into impactful biomedical solutions.

The website for this course is under construction.

Abstract submission deadline: 30 November 2026
Application deadline: 28 February 2027

The 4^th edition of the 91���� Special Meeting on Sphingolipid Biology: Architects of the Cellular Landscape will provide a focused international forum for presenting and discussing the latest developments in the field. The meeting will bring together researchers working across structural biophysics, membrane biology, lipid metabolism, systems biology, and pathophysiology, fostering dialogue between disciplines that have traditionally approached sphingolipid biology from different perspectives.

The scientific programme will explore the molecular and analytical tools transforming sphingolipid research, the role of sphingolipids in membrane asymmetry and trafficking, their contribution to organelle communication and cellular architecture, and their function as metabolic circuits controlling cellular decisions. It will address how disruption of these processes contributes to human diseases while highlighting emerging opportunities for therapeutic intervention. A forward-looking final session will create space to discuss unexpected findings, unresolved questions, methodological limitations, and new directions for the field.

Extended discussion periods, poster sessions, flash presentations, and interactive panels will promote active participation across career stages, giving early-career researchers opportunities to engage with established investigators and contribute to the scientific dialogue. By combining broad scientific coverage with an inclusive and highly interactive format, the meeting aims to support the next generation of Sphingolipid researchers and help shape future directions in the field.

The meeting will take place from 6–11 June 2027 at the MH Atlântico Congress Centre in Peniche, Portugal. Its integrated conference and accommodation setting will provide an ideal environment for scientific exchange and informal interaction throughout the week.

We look forward to welcoming you to Peniche for an inspiring week of science!

The website for this course is under construction. Read this  for more information from the co-organizers.

Lipidomics is one of the fastest-growing omics disciplines, with applications spanning bioanalytical chemistry, lipid biochemistry, cell biology, biomedical research, and clinical translation. The rapid expansion of the field is reflected in the increasing number of research projects that rely on mass spectrometry (MS)-based lipidomics as a core technology for enabling fundamental biological discoveries and providing clinically relevant insights into human disease. However, lipidomics remains a technically demanding discipline that requires specialized training to ensure accurate, reproducible, and robust data generation and interpretation.

This course will provide participants with a comprehensive overview of current strategies for lipidome analysis, data processing, and integrative data interpretation. It is designed as an advanced educational and training platform for biochemists, cell biologists, clinicians, analytical chemists, and computational scientists working in lipid research and MS-based lipidomics.

Participants will be guided through all major steps of the modern lipidomics workflow, from experimental design and sample preparation to the selection of appropriate MS acquisition strategies, data processing, statistical analysis, and biological interpretation. The course will highlight recent methodological advances, including structural lipidomics and mass spectrometry imaging, providing both a solid theoretical foundation and hands-on training in state-of-the-art lipidomics technologies.

A central objective of the course is to promote interdisciplinary exchange and networking among early-career researchers, advanced PhD students, postdoctoral fellows, and leading international experts in lipidomics. The program combines lectures, focused tutorials, interactive question-and-answer sessions, and hands-on laboratory training to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of advanced lipidomics technologies and their broad applications in modern lipid research.

The website for this course is under construction. Read this for more information from the co-organizers.

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.

The / contains educational talks, interactive tutorials, and workshops covering technological basics, current best practices, and future developments given by leading academic and industry experts.  The extracurricular activities and the social events in the gothic cellar vault at our venue have proven to be an excellent environment for student and speaker interactions. The registration fee includes access to all lectures, workshops, and social activities, and accommodation (two people sharing a room), as well as all meals. Our summer school is designed to provide graduate students and young postdoctoral scientists from academia and industry with deep insights into state-of-the-art proteomic technologies and applications in the life sciences.

The provides an excellent platform and opportunity to acquire an integrated overview of the structure, function and biogenesis of biological membranes in the context of the biogenesis of organelles and their components. It will also provide promising students in the field a chance to get personally acquainted with leaders of the various disciplines, to acquire insight into the possibilities offered by different experimental approaches and to discuss and learn about the multiple techniques in membrane-related research. In addition to scholarly scientific lectures, the program also contains as an essential element various mentoring sessions on work-life balance, career planning, and responsible conduct of science. Moreover, the program will allow for a total of 20 young scientist participants to give oral presentations of their work.

Watch a short promotional .

The course aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the physiological functions of the distinct cell types that comprise the tumour microenvironment and how these cells are implicated in disease progression and therapy resistance. Topics that will be covered include tumour vascular biology, tumour adaptive and innate immunity, cancer metastasis, and cancer cell plasticity. New technologies and tools to study the tumour microenvironment, such as tissue biomechanics, gene therapy for immune cell reprogramming and single-cell technologies will be highlighted. The course will also showcase the clinical relevance of targeting the tumour microenvironment and will demonstrate how findings from basic research in model organisms can lead to improved therapeutic applications.

The scientific programme of the course includes seven thematic sessions and is designed to offer advanced training and in-depth discussions. Talks will be delivered by internationally recognised experts in the field, alongside selected presentations from young scientists, promoting active participation and scientific exchange across career stages. Young scientists will also have the opportunity to present and discuss their work during poster sessions and structured networking activities.

In addition to the scientific content, the course will place strong emphasis on training, networking, and career development. Dedicated workshops will focus on career paths in academia and industry, how to improve scientific writing & funding applications, and ‘meet the expert’ session, where young researchers will have the opportunity to meet in small groups with senior scientists who are leaders in their field and discuss specific issues. There will also be plenty of opportunities throughout the meeting for participants and speakers to informally interact in a relaxed and idyllic atmosphere, during the social events, and by spending free time at the beach.

Overall, the course will provide a stimulating and supportive environment for learning, discussion, and collaboration, and will contribute to the advancement of the tumour microenvironment research field.

The is a 6-day advanced microscopy course for up to 20 experienced graduate students, postdocs and scientists will integrate 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 molecular mechanisms by which cancer cell behavior is controlled are intensively studied in modern biology. In this (co-sponsored by ) held in Spetses, Greece, we are bringing together a number of true experts in the field of cancer research, from basic to clinical oncology. This course will cover cancer signaling and metabolism, genome instability and tumor evolution, the tumor microenvironment, and novel ways of drug development. Finally, the application or translation of this knowledge into the clinic will be discussed by the speakers.