From molecular recognition and cellular communication to interactions with advanced biomaterials, biointerfaces play a fundamental role in life and drive innovation across medicine, biotechnology, and engineering. Despite significant advances, experts investigating basic biological mechanisms, developing cutting-edge technologies, and translating discoveries into practical applications often work within separate communities. To address the most pressing challenges in diagnostics, therapeutics, and bioengineering we need to bring together diverse perspectives, fostering collaboration, and creating connections across disciplines.
The Joint FEBS/EMBO Lecture Course ‘Biological surfaces and interfaces – Applications, challenges, and opportunities across disciplines’ (course website in development) aim specifically to bring together an international community of scientists working at the forefront of this rapidly evolving field.
Open to PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, early-career investigators, and established scientists, this course is designed to foster learning, collaboration, and connection. Participants will gain insights into the latest advances, engage in interdisciplinary discussions, and network through flash talks, poster presentations, and other interactive opportunities.
The course will take place from 20–25 June 2027 in Sant Feliu de Guixols, Girona (Spain) – the place where this meeting initiated and that has now become a ‘hotspot’ for researchers investigating the complexity of biological interfaces. The 2027 course is organised by Simona Sennato (Sapienza University of Rome, Italy), Rami Mhanna (American University of Beirut, Lebanon), Jenny Malmström (The University of Auckland, New Zealand) and Fouzia Bano (Umeå University, Sweden).
Over five days, the course will cover topics within the following sessions
- Biomedical devices and implants
- Bioprinting and tissue engineering
- Nanoparticles applications at the biointerface
- Tools for understanding the biointerface
In addition to the course organisers, participants will learn from a distinguished lineup of internationally recognized experts and rising leaders. Featured speakers include:
- Molly Steven, University of Oxford, UK
- Mohammad Zaman, Boston University, USA
- Anthony Bull, Imperial College London, UK
- Miguel Castanho, School of Medicine of the University of Lisbon, Portugal
- Niveen Khashab, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Saudi Arabia
- Julien Gautrot, Queen Mary University of London, UK
- Joao Mano, CICECO – Aveiro Institute of Materials, Portugal
- Jagoda Litowczenko-Cybulska, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poland
- Andreas Dahlin, Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden
- Joseph Costantine, American University of Beirut, Lebanon
- Erdinc Sezgin, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
- Iva Pashkuleva, University of Minho, Portugal
- Elena Vassileva, Sofia University, Bulgaria
- Salome S. Pinho, Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S)/Institute of Molecular Pathology, Portugal
In addition, a special session has been dedicated to an EMBO Policy Lecture by Professor Dame Juliet Gerrard. The lecture titled "My long and winding road – a career across Universities, research organisations and government" will be followed by breakout discussions on the topic. In this session, course participants will learn how to think beyond the laboratory, preparing them to contribute responsibly and effectively to the broader community.
In addition to the course’s outstanding scientific program, participants will have the opportunity to unwind in a unique Mediterranean setting, enjoying sandy beaches, stunning coastal scenery, and exceptional local cuisine.
We are looking forward to welcoming you in Sant Feliu de Guíxols for a stimulating scientific week that combines cutting-edge research, collaboration and ample networking opportunities.
Know someone who would be interested? Please share this post with your colleagues and networks to help us reach the wider community. The course website is in development and will be shared as soon as it is ready. In the meantime, we invite you to read this post from a participant in the 2025 Biological surfaces and interfaces course.
Top photo by Dominik Bednarz on Unsplash.