Conference of the German Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (GBM) in Frankfurt focuses on light and electron microscopy

Cutting-edge microscopy techniques make it possible to resolve the spatiotemporal organization of biomolecules at the nanoscale and allow the visualization of previously inaccessible macromolecular structures. Recent developments in light and electron microscopy have significantly changed research in cell biology, structural biology and biophysics. The GBM conference series "GBM Compact" is now dedicating a two-day conference to technological progress in microscopy: "Focus on Imaging" will be held on September 26 and 27 at the University Hospital Frankfurt.

Exciting topics, compact format and interactive atmosphere

The conference is aimed at both experienced users and beginners who want to discover the world of microscopy. The event is co-organized by RDN member Prof. Dr. Konstanze Winklhofer from the Institute of Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry at the Faculty of Medicine, Ruhr University Bochum. "The GBM Compact is a new format that conveys highly topical methods and their applications. This format was launched last year on 'Proteomics' and turned out to be very successful," says Konstanze Winklhofer. "I found the combination of exciting topics, a compact format - 'from noon to noon' - and an interactive atmosphere very appealing, so I was happy to take over the organization together with my colleagues Johannes Herrmann, Stefan Jakobs and Christian Münch. Networking and exchanging ideas with friends and colleagues at different career levels are particularly important aspects of GBM conferences."

Nobel Prize winner Prof. Dr. Stefan Hell kicks off event

"Focus on Imaging" will provide insights into cutting-edge technological advances in super-resolution light microscopy and electron microscopy, including cryo-electron microscopy and cryo-electron tomography. Several renowned imaging experts will be presenting in Frankfurt.
Nobel Prize winner Prof. Dr. Stefan Hell (Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen), a pioneer of high-resolution fluorescence microscopy, will kick off the event. The second keynote lecture will be given by Prof. Dr. Jörg Bewersdorf (Yale School of Medicine, New Haven).
The list of speakers also includes Prof. Dr. Kai Johnsson (Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Heidelberg), Prof. Dr. Ralf Jungmann (Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried), Martin Beck (Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Frankfurt), Prof. Dr. Wanda Kukulski (Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern), Prof. Dr. Maria Bohnert (Institute of Celldynamics and Imaging, University of Münster), Dr. Bonnie Murphy (Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Frankfurt am Main) and Dr. Till Stephan (Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main).

In addition to the lectures, two integrated workshops will address basic and advanced topics that are important for the successful application of imaging techniques. "We made every effort to ensure that this conference will be worthwhile for experts in microscopy as well as interested beginners at the doctoral and postdoctoral levels," explains Konstanze Winklhofer. "We will offer a workshop on “Choosing the Most Suitable Imaging Approach”. Another workshop will focus on the important aspects of image analysis and data management”.

Kick-off meeting of the new GBM study group "Cellular Organelles"

Short talks, poster flash talks, a poster session and numerous networking opportunities round off the conference program. Side events include meetings of GBM young investigators and the newly founded interest group "GBM Postdocs" as well as a kick-off meeting of the new GBM study group "Cellular Organelles".
Due to the limited number of seats in the auditorium, early registration is recommended. Further information can be found on the event website: GBM Compact.

Background:
The German Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (GBM) was founded in 1947 as the Society for Physiological Chemistry and was formed by splitting off from the German Physiological Society. The aim was to give the large field of physiological chemistry a strong representation of interests. Today, the GBM is the largest bioscientific society in Germany.

Text:
Anke Maes

Photo:
Verian Bader