From Lab to Life: Successful DZG Science & Career Day 2024

On 7 and 8 November 2024, the second Science & Career Day of the German Centres for Health Research (DZG) took place at the German Institute of Human Nutrition (DIfE) in Potsdam. The event provided an inspiring forum for early career scientists to engage in interdisciplinary exchange and networking.

The DZG Science & Career Day 2024 was dedicated to translational medical research under the motto ‘From the lab to life - How you can translate your research into medical innovations’. Following the welcome by Prof. Annette Schürmann (DZD/DIfE) and Dr. Katharina Eulenburg (DZHK), three renowned scientists from different DZGs presented their work on the topic of cell and gene therapies. Prof. Nico Lachmann from the German Centre for Lung Research (DZL) gave an impressive presentation on how his research on macrophages (specialised immune cells), derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells, is aimed at the treatment of tissue damage and cancer. Prof. Annette Künkele-Langer from the German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK) introduced the audience to the development and clinical application of ‘chimeric antigen receptors’ in cancer immunotherapy. Subsequently, Prof. Henrik Semb from the German Centre for Diabetes Research (DZD) highlighted advancements in the use of human embryonic stem cells for diabetes therapy, vividly illustrating the complex challenges in bridging the gap between basic research and clinical application.

Panel discussion: Key steps for successful translation

The panel discussion, moderated by Prof. Boris Fehse (DZIF), provided further insight into successful translation of basic research into medical applications within the DZG framework and addressed current challenges. In addition to the three speakers from the previous session, Dr. Ute Petereit (Federal Ministry of Education and Research) and Prof. Schürmann joined the discussion. Prof. Schürmann emphasised how the DZGs effectively utilize their networks and synergies: ‘Bringing together experts with diverse backgrounds - basic science, clinical science, epidemiology - is what makes the DZG so successful’. Dr. Petereit reinforced this point, adding: ‘The DZGs hold a very important position in translational health research in Germany’. Alongside these successes, challenges were also discussed. Increasing interaction between the DZGs and advancing timely framework agreements for intellectual property and industry partnerships were highlighted as priorities. On a positive note, specific funding programmes for young medical doctors in research and flexible career paths for early career scientists have already been successfully implemented. However, the participants noted that further incentives are needed to retain talent in academic research in the long term.

Another central theme of the discussion was the importance of a patient-centred perspective. Prof. Lachmann shared his personal experience: ‘Always keeping the patients’ needs in focus fuels the passion for research’. Prof Semb (DZD) added: ‘Translational research requires someone who sees the bigger picture and keeps everybody working toward the need of patients as a common, higher goal’. There was consensus that the key to success lies in personal enthusiasm for the chosen research topic. Prof. Künkele-Langer (DKTK) succinctly stated: ‘Find something that is really fun. You need a topic you can immerse yourself in and that excites you’. Prof. Fehse (DZIF) echoed this sentiment: ‘You will only succeed if you burn for the project’.

The following poster session provided early career scientists the opportunity to present and discuss their research. Karin Bodewits from NaturalScience.Careers also offered valuable feedback on poster design. During the networking dinner that followed, some early career scientists gave engaging three-minute pitches, sparking lively conversations.

What do you need for successful networking?

The second day of the Science & Career Day began with the lecture ‘From scientist to entrepreneur’ by Dr. Heidi Zinecker and Dr. Michael Karle (Ascenion GmbH), which dealt with patenting processes and intellectual property. In the subsequent workshop ‘Strategic Networking’, moderated by Karin Bodewits, Prof. Henriette Kirchner (DZD) and Prof. David Capper (DKTK) shared valuable personal insights into the importance of networking in science. Participants received practical tips on how to expand their network and use LinkedIn effectively. The event concluded in the afternoon with warm thanks to the organisers - until next year!

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