Last week, as a satellite meeting of the famous ProRetina Potsdam meeting, our cientific consortium gathered for a two-day meeting aimed at fostering collaboration and innovation. The event brought us, esteemed professors, principal investigators, and a cohort of bright young scientists and PhD students, once again together - eager to make their mark in the scientific community. The meeting kicked off with a dynamic brainstorming session, as the consortium's budding scientists came together to chart out a unique plan for a patient day. The young scientists and PhD students dove into discussions, sharing ideas on how to engage with patients, understand their needs, and tailor research efforts to address pressing medical challenges. It was inspiring to witness the passion and dedication of these future leaders as they plan a meaningful experience for both patients and researchers alike. Later that day, the PIs and professors joined the meeting for the first scientific talks: the presentations of the young scientists on their newly established collaborative projects, funded by the start up grant of the SPP 2127. After great progress reports, lively discussions and intense scientific exchange, the group transitioned from the conference room to the bowling alley. Laughter and friendly competition filled the air as professors and students alike bonded over strikes and spares, strengthening the bonds that would fuel collaboration in the days ahead. With newfound connections forged and spirits high, day two dawned with a sense of excitement and anticipation. Short talks were on the agenda, providing each PI with the opportunity to showcase their projects and present their ideas for further networking to the consortium. As the meeting drew to a close, thoughts turned to the future. Ideas for networking and ongoing collaboration were exchanged, laying the groundwork for continued innovation and discovery beyond the confines of the meeting room. In retrospect, the Potsdam consortium meeting was more than just a gathering of minds—it was a celebration of collaboration, curiosity, and the transformative power of science. As the participants dispersed, energized and inspired, they carried with them not only new ideas and connections but a shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge for the betterment of society.
In the picturesque town of Weilburg, Germany, where history meets innovation, a remarkable event recently unfolded. Scientists, researchers, and experts from around the world gathered for the annual meeting of the DFG funded research program SPP2127, titled "Gene and Cell-Based Therapies to Counteract Neuroretinal Degeneration." This captivating event, hosted at the Castle Hotel Weilburg, was a melting pot of knowledge, ideas, and collaborations that promises to revolutionize the field of neuroretinal research. SPP2127: Pioneering the Fight Against Neuroretinal Degeneration Neuroretinal degeneration, a group of debilitating eye diseases that cause progressive vision loss, has long been a formidable challenge in the field of ophthalmology. However, thanks to the DFG (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft) funded research program SPP2127, scientists have been granted the resources and platform to pool their talents and tackle this issue head-on. SPP2127 focuses on exploring gene and cell-based therapies to combat neuroretinal degeneration. These innovative approaches hold the promise of not just slowing down the progression of these diseases but potentially reversing the damage, restoring sight to those who have lost it. The Annual Meeting at Castle Hotel Weilburg: A Nexus of Scientific Brilliance The Castle Hotel Weilburg, with its rich history and stunning architecture, provided the perfect backdrop for this momentous scientific gathering. The event unfolded over three days, and each day was filled with intensive discussions, presentations of cutting-edge research, and the sharing of groundbreaking results. The collaborative spirit was palpable as researchers from diverse backgrounds and institutions engaged in spirited debates, shared insights, and brainstormed solutions to the complex challenges posed by neuroretinal degeneration. One of the highlights of the event was the announcement of start-up funding awards for young scientists. These awards not only recognize the potential of these emerging researchers but also invest in the future of neuroretinal research . Congratulations to all the recipients! Exploring Weilburg: A Glimpse into the Past While the primary focus of the meeting was on advancing science, the organizers also ensured that attendees had a chance to explore the charming old town of Weilburg. The second day included a city tour that allowed participants to immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of this beautiful German town. International Collaboration at Its Best SPP2127's annual meeting was not just a local event. It drew invited guests from renowned institutions in Ghent, Basel, Marburg, and the United States, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This international presence further enriched the discussions and emphasized the global significance of the research being conducted. Over the three days, the meeting provided a rare opportunity for most members of the consortium and numerous young scientists to come together, connect, and intensify their collaborations. The exchange of ideas, methodologies, and experiences was invaluable, fostering a sense of unity and purpose among all participants. A Bright Future for Neuroretinal Research The annual meeting of SPP2127 at Castle Hotel Weilburg was a testament to the power of collaborative research. As we move forward in the fight against neuroretinal degeneration, the connections made and knowledge shared during this event will undoubtedly pave the way for groundbreaking therapies and, ultimately, the restoration of vision for those in need. The Castle Hotel Weilburg may have witnessed centuries of history, but the SPP2127 meeting showcased the bright future of neuroretinal research, one where science and collaboration shine as beacons of hope for those affected by these debilitating diseases. As we eagerly await the developments that will emerge from this meeting, we can be certain that the quest to conquer neuroretinal degeneration is stronger and more unified than ever before.
As a research consortium, we recently held a research meeting that brought together PhD students and professors to share their latest findings, exchange ideas, and foster collaborations. Despite the ongoing pandemic, we were able to hold the meeting in person, taking all the necessary precautions to ensure everyone's safety. One of the highlights of the meeting was the science slam for the PhD students. Instead of the traditional poster session, the students had the opportunity to present their research projects in a fun and engaging way, using creative formats such as poetry, music, or theater. The science slam proved to be a fantastic opportunity for the students to showcase their research in a more interactive and dynamic way, engaging the audience in their discoveries and sparking curiosity and interest in their work. The format also allowed for personal and direct feedback from the attendees, as they could ask questions and engage in lively discussions with the presenters. The science slam was not only a great platform for the students to share their research projects, but also a valuable experience in science communication, which is becoming increasingly important in today's world. The students had to think outside the box and find creative ways to present their work, making it accessible and engaging for a wider audience. As a research consortium, our mission is to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, promote innovative research, and contribute to advancing knowledge in our fields of expertise. The research meeting is a key element of our strategy, and we look forward to continuing to organize such events in the future. We believe that by bringing together bright minds and diverse perspectives, we can create a vibrant and dynamic research community that can tackle the most pressing challenges of our times. Overall, the research meeting was a resounding success, with the science slam proving to be one of the most popular and engaging events. It was a great example of how we can foster a culture of innovation, creativity, and collaboration in our research community, by providing opportunities for the next generation of scholars to share their ideas and learn from one another.
T he official confirmation and refusal letters of the DFG were sent out to the applications for the second funding period some weeks ago. We are looking forward to a fresh mix of researchers and topics and can't wait to meet all the new and old PIs for our in-person kick off meeting in June! Still - we are sad that so many great researchers are not a part of the SPP anymore as they did not receive further funding. But we will continue to cooperate and foster our established networks from the first funding period! Until now, the consortium of the second funding period of the SPP 2127 met for a short online meeting to answer the most urgent questions and get to know each other a bit.
From the homepage of VIS: The field of regenerative medicine holds the promise of engineering damaged or diseased tissues previously thought to be irreparable. Some approaches involve the use of stem cells, progenitor cells, and novel materials. The NEI Office of Regenerative Medicine (ORM) has launched a new webinar series, called the Vision Innovation Seminars, to promote and disseminate cutting-edge research that is relevant to the vision community. Authors of recently published articles will present their work to the research community through this monthly webinar series. This seminar series is recorded and can be made available upon request. June 15, 2021 1:00-2:00 pm ET Mr. Giovanni Pasquini & Ms. Virginia Cora : Talk title TBD Recent Publication: Using Transcriptomic Analysis to Assess Double-Strand Break Repair Activity: Towards Precise in Vivo Genome Editing Mr. Giovanni Pasquini is a PhD student in the Dresden International Graduate School for Biomedicine and Bioengineering (DIGS-BB). His thesis work is focused on inferring and modulating Double Strand Break pathways activity by the study of transcriptomic data to guide in vivo Genome Editing approaches. His doctoral research is conducted at the Center for Regenerative Therapies of Dresden under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Volker Busskamp. Ms. Virginia Cora is a doctoral student in the Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen. Since 2018, she is part of the team of the Institute for Neuroanatomy and Developmental Biology (INDB) under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Stefan Liebau. Ms. Cora's work is focused on unravelling the effects of a mutation located in the gene Crumbs Homolog 1 (CRB1) that is associated with the insurgence of Retinitis Pigmentosa. For her investigations she is utilizing induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)-derived retinal organoids as a model system. Additional reading relevant to talk: Using Transcriptomic Analysis to Assess Double-Strand Break Repair Activity: Towards Precise in Vivo Genome Editing A Cleared View on Retinal Organoids Merging organoid and organ-on-a-chip technology to generate complex multi-layer tissue models in a human retina-on-a-chip platform
With the first funding period of the SPP 2127 coming to an end in the next months, the call for the second funding period was published. As the first funding period, the second funding period will be three years long. To further improve the development of therapeutic applications in this striving field of science, the results of the first three-year funding period, new data from current trials and preclinical experimentations as well as the improved understanding of the pathology of IRD require continued work at high level. Find more information on the call and how to apply on the homepage of the DFG: https://www.dfg.de/foerderung/info_wissenschaft/2021/info_wissenschaft_21_30/index.html
