Welcome

Welcome to the FEBS Workshop 'Biochirality across scales'!

Dear Colleagues, 

We are pleased to invite you to the first interdisciplinary meeting dedicated to chirality in biology, exploring how this fundamental property - from molecules to cells and whole organisms - shapes life. Chirality, the phenomenon of non-superimposable mirror asymmetry, influences amino acids, sugars, nucleic acids, cytoskeletal polymers, supramolecular assemblies, and even organismal traits such as organ handedness and brain lateralization.

Until now, studies of chirality have been largely fragmented and limited to restricted scientific domains. This workshop brings together leading researchers across biochemistry, molecular biology, structural biology, neuroscience, developmental biology and biomedical research to provide a holistic view of chirality’s role across biological scales.

The program emphasizes on accessibility and training for early-career scientists. Concept-focused lectures, interdisciplinary sessions pairing senior leaders with young investigators, interactive “Coffee Break / Whiteboard Discussions,” and extended “Come with Your Question” poster sessions will foster dialogue, mentorship, and collaboration. A special feature, “My Science in 3 Minutes”, will allow ten selected young researchers to present their work with a prize for the best presentation. Poster sessions will encourage discussion of both results and open questions, promoting interdisciplinary engagement.

By combining cutting-edge science with structured training, networking, and collaborative opportunities, this workshop aims to support dialogue, mentorship, and the next generation of molecular life scientists, reflecting FEBS’ mission of advancing scientific excellence across Europe.

We look forward to welcoming you and exploring the many facets of biological chirality together.

Agnes Banreti, Maximilian Fürthauer, Uwe Meierhenrich, Jean-Pierre Mothet and Stéphane Noselli

Course Organizers