Programme features

Redox homeostasis is a prerequisite for human health, in which physiological levels of nonradical reactive oxygen species function as primary second messengers to modulate redox signaling by orchestrating multiple redox sensors. However, redox dysregulation leads to biomolecule damage and the subsequent occurrence of various diseases such as cardiovascular pathology, cancer, and neurodegeneration. Redox regulation of intracellular signaling and cellular pathways is critical for maintaining cellular processes, including growth, differentiation, ageing, and death, with mitochondria, among others, serving as important redox signaling nodes. They regulate distinct cytosolic signaling pathways and play vital roles, including ATP production, the generation of second messengers implicated in the modulation of redox-sensitive signaling and transcriptional pathways, and the regulation of NAD⁺/NADH homeostasis. Other central processes, such as the degradation pathways (UPS and autophagy), are also subjected to redox signaling. As a whole, redox signaling controls cell function by modifying the activity of enzymes and transcription factors as well as regulating gene expression and epigenetic modifications.

The Advanced School aims to tackle the intricate redox signaling network that has evolved around cellular metabolism, generation of radical species, and cellular responses that affect growth and death. The speakers will discuss different aspects of redox signaling involved in both physiological and pathological conditions and how dysfunction of this complex signaling network can be targeted to prevent/slow disease onset and progression.

The talks, spanning genes, proteins, and intracellular signaling, will allow participants to better understand the close association between aberrant redox signaling and disease mechanisms. Furthermore, different model systems and methodological approaches, including transcriptomics, metabolomics, and proteomics, will be discussed to provide students with a broader perspective on questions, models, and approaches that can be developed for future studies.

The scientific program is diverse, covering various fields governed by redox alterations, such as ageing, nutrition, proteostasis, metabolic diseases, and interventions (including personalized medicine).

The program offers a diverse array of activities, including: a) training lectures, b) poster sessions, c) short presentations by all participants, and d) “meet the expert” sessions that provide young scientists with the opportunity to engage directly with leading international experts in redox biology. The training lectures will cover essential topics such as “How to prepare effective slides: Do’s and Don’ts” and “Strategies for successful publishing.” Each participant is expected to bring a research poster that will be showcased through a structured presentation format: a 2-minute lay explanation titled “How would you present your work to your mum?”, followed by a 4-minute scientific pitch titled “How would you present your results to a scientific audience?” and concluded with a 2-minute discussion. Poster sessions will be a central component of the program, offering young scientists a valuable platform to share their research, receive feedback, and explore collaborative opportunities with both senior researchers and fellow participants. 

There will be four dedicated “meet the expert” tutorial sessions, offering young scientists the opportunity to benefit from the expertise of senior researchers and seek their guidance. Each session will align with the central theme of the respective day. Organized social events will further encourage interaction between young scientists and senior researchers in a more informal and relaxed setting.

 The advanced lecture course will address key topics of current relevance in biochemistry, molecular biology, and related disciplines such as technology development and medicine. It will offer young scientists a unique opportunity to engage with leading experts in redox biology and gain insights that will support their scientific development.