International researchers in membrane biology at Osnabrück University symposium; 150 participants worldwide
„Engaging, inspiring, motivating“: International Symposium on Biomembranes at Osnabrück University: Uni Osnabrück
„Engaging, inspiring, motivating“: International Symposium on Biomembranes at Osnabrück University
From 26 to 28 August 2026, the international symposium “Spatial-temporal interrogation of living membranes” was held at the Biology department in Osnabrück. It was organised by Research Training Group 2900 in collaboration with the Summer School of the MemBioMed Master’s program.
International researchers in the field of membrane biology spent three days in Osnabrück to present their latest findings and exchange ideas. The symposium focused on research into the complex behaviour of lipid membranes, including their therapeutic potential. Around 150 participants benefited from this valuable opportunity to gain direct insights into cutting-edge research projects and to network with other scientists.
Plenty of opportunities for academic exchange
The programme featured 14 presentations by speakers from Denmark, France, Germany, Sweden and the USA, including two keynote lectures by Kandice Levental and Ilya Levental from the University of Virginia. But even outside the talks, there were ample opportunities for symposium guests to exchange ideas, whether during the breaks, at the conference dinner or during a concluding plenary discussion. PhD students from Research Training Group (RTG) 2900 and students on the MemBioMed Master’s program (see below) were additionally given the special opportunity to engage in direct dialogue with the presenters as part of the ‘Meet the speakers’ session.
Excellent atmosphere and good organisation
Just how much the participants enjoyed the symposium became clear during the closing discussion. There, they were able to share their impressions of the event anonymously via their smartphones, with the results subsequently displayed in the form of a word cloud. Words such as “interesting”, “engaging”, “inspiring”, “informative”, “exciting”, “impressive”, “interactive” and “motivating” appeared particularly frequently. The excellent atmosphere, the selection of speakers and the good organisation were also highlighted.
About the hosts: RTG2900 and MemBioMed
The symposium was hosted by RTG2900 “nanomaterials@biomembranes” in collaboration with the Summer School of the international Master’s program “MemBioMed”. Key organisers were Prof. Dr. Joost Holthuis (MemBioMed coordinator at the UOS), Prof. Dr. Jacob Piehler (RTG2900 speaker) and Steffen Wolke (RTG2900 coordinator).
The aim of RTG2900 is to train researchers in an interdisciplinary manner at the interface between biology, chemistry and physics. The focus is on developing new biophysical techniques to elucidate dynamic processes at lipid membranes using novel nanomaterials. The research training is complemented by a tailored qualification programme designed to prepare participants for the next steps in their careers.
The transnational MemBioMed Master’s program focuses on approaches to investigating the complex behaviour of cell membranes and tapping into their therapeutic potential. The program is funded by the EU and comprises study periods at three universities with a strong track record in biomembrane research – Osnabrück University, the University of Côte d’Azur and the University of Genoa.
More about the MemBioMed Master’s program