Over three days, the modern Congress Center \u2014 with its bright, spacious architecture and excellent infrastructure \u2014 served as an inspiring backdrop for intense dialogue and creative exchange.<\/p>\n
The Annual Meeting began with the traditional Welcome Reception hosted by the DZL Academy the evening before: a lively and informal start where early-career researchers connected through short scientific talks, quizzes, and extensive networking opportunities.<\/p>\n
The first conference day focused on the working groups: in parallel sessions, the disease areas, platforms, and disease-spanning working groups presented ongoing projects, discussed key questions, and initiated new collaborations. A particular highlight was the Teaser Sessions \u2013 short, impactful previews of selected posters that offered an engaging introduction to the afternoon\u2019s Poster Session. With a total of 466 contributions spread across all three levels of the Congress Center, it was by far the largest in DZL history \u2014 a visible sign of the growing energy and research power within the community.<\/p>\n
Science as a Mindset: Keynote by Prof. Werner Seeger Calls for Responsibility and International Solidarity<\/strong><\/p>\n The day\u2019s highlight was the evening event, which opened with a compelling keynote by DZL spokesperson Prof. Werner Seeger. He expressed how moved he was by the intense scientific exchange across all career levels: \"This atmosphere of open discussion is a precious asset \u2013 and sadly, not a given everywhere in the world.\"<\/p>\n Prof. Seeger reminded attendees that many colleagues work in countries where the foundations of free and excellent science are increasingly under threat. \"Even in the United States \u2013 a beacon of academic freedom \u2013 we are witnessing restrictions today that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago.\" Science, he emphasized, is more than a profession \u2013 it is an attitude, one that demands truthfulness, integrity, and the courage to take a stand when these core values are at risk. His appeal for responsibility, dialogue, and solidarity resonated strongly with the audience.<\/p>\n Honoring Scientific Excellence: Poster Awards and Publication Award Celebrate Outstanding Contributions<\/strong><\/p>\n Also part of the evening program was the awarding of the DZL Poster Awards. Each prize, endowed with \u20ac500, recognized outstanding scientific poster contributions. A surprise highlight was the live teaser format: the awardees spontaneously pitched their research on stage in a 30-second presentation \u2014 a creative and entertaining way to showcase their work. Following the awards, the evening concluded in celebratory fashion with dinner, live music, and dancing.<\/p>\n Recipients of the DZL Poster Awards 2025:<\/strong><\/p>\n Disease Areas \/ Platforms<\/em><\/p>\n Disease-Spanning Working Groups (DSWG)<\/em><\/p>\n Also presented was the \u20ac3,000 DZL Academy Publication Award, recognizing outstanding research achievements in the context of the DZL Fellowships:<\/p>\n Shaping the Future: Networking, Diversity, and Support for the Next Generation<\/strong><\/p>\n The final day of the conference brought all participants together for a full day of plenary sessions. In the \u201cBreaking News\u201d segment, senior researchers shared the latest findings from their respective fields, while the \u201cEarly Career Scientists Highlights\u201d gave selected young researchers the opportunity to present their work on the big stage.<\/p>\n Also noteworthy was the active involvement of the international Scientific Advisory Board, which enriched the discussions with expert insights and contributed valuable perspectives for the future direction of the DZL. The commitment to nurturing the next generation of scientists was evident throughout the meeting \u2014 not just through presence, but through active engagement in discussions, and presentations.<\/p>\n Dr. Karin Schwarzenbacher, representing the Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts Baden-W\u00fcrttemberg, also attended the DZL Annual Meeting and expressed her admiration for the scientific quality and the strong engagement of the community \u2014 particularly among early-career researchers.<\/p>\n A Vibrant Forum for Science \u2013 Beyond Locations and Disciplines<\/strong><\/p>\n The DZL Annual Meeting 2025 was more than a scientific conference \u2014 it was a forum for exchange, inspiration, and collaboration. It was shaped by openness, collegial spirit, and the shared belief that science thrives through free and open dialogue.<\/p>\n With its record-breaking participation, its impressive poster session, and its wealth of content-driven impulses, the meeting set new standards. And once again, it highlighted what defines the DZL community: a commitment to scientific excellence, to societal responsibility \u2014 and to a spirit of collaboration that transcends institutions and disciplines.<\/p>\n We thank all contributors, and participants for their dedication and enthusiasm \u2014 and we are already looking forward to the DZL Annual Meeting 2026!<\/p>\n\n
\n
\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/dzl.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/24A8552_compr-300x169.jpg\")
<\/p>\n