The late summer of 2025 saw world-class scientists focusing on mitochondria drawn to Belgrade, Serbia, for the Joint FEBS/EMBO Lecture Course ‘The evolving role of mitochondria in metabolism’. This diverse and versatile group came together to discuss the fruits of their research and future directions. At the same time, the meeting was very open to students and newcomers just beginning their journey in mitochondrial research.
The five-day gathering featured three distinct sessions:
- The evolution of mitochondrial gene expression
- The evolving role of mitochondria in infection, immunity, and inflammation
- Mitochondria as a central hub of cellular signaling
The meeting was varied in terms of topics: the invited speakers represented multidisciplinary approaches from molecules to the whole-organism level. The common ground and shared interest for all the participants were energy metabolism, oxidative stress and thus mitochondria.
The most important questions of current mitochondria studies were addressed during the discussion. Questions that are also pressing outside of the meeting room – such as the importance of mitochondrial plasticity in response to environmental change and environment polluting factors.
The organizer Aleksandra Trifunovic, and co-organizers Mirko Dordevic, Oliver Rackham, and Maria Falkenberg, created a space for hard-science discussions, as well as a more relaxed and easy-going place to start new connections.
Beyond the scientific sessions, the meeting served as a platform to discuss diversity in science, working conditions, and women’s experiences in the field. Thanks to the friendly atmosphere, everyone could participate in the open dialogue—regardless of their scientific position, gender, or background. All in all, meetings like this are essential for advancing science and fostering collaboration and of course, they allow the young generation to learn from the ones who are more experienced.
Individual experiences of students at different stages, and how they navigated and cherished this adventure, follow:
Beata
I am a versatile, signal-centered biologist with broad scientific interests, driven by curiosity and motivated to take on new challenges. My work trajectory reflects this – from antiviral defence signalling in plants, through light-driven redox post-translational modifications and drought-induced flowering decisions, to my most recent and perhaps most captivating question: how inhaled nanoplastics affect mitochondrial function and signalling in the human lung?
Throughout my scientific journey of continuous learning, I have had the privilege of receiving guidance from leading experts at key transition points in my research path. I had the chance to participate in the course at one of these stages. This meeting offered a rare opportunity to interact directly with leading mitochondrial researchers and to explore, at the forefront, the most timely and impactful questions currently shaping the field. Beyond the scientific content, the stimulating and open atmosphere of the meeting significantly broadened my scientific horizons.
Maria
At the time of the conference, I was a fourth-year PhD student. Although I’ve been fortunate to attend many conferences throughout my studies, this Belgrade course stands out as one of my favorites. In the past, I often encountered leading scientists at large conferences where interactions tended to be brief, as they were understandably busy. However, at this course the atmosphere was remarkably open and approachable. Conversations felt natural, and there was a genuine opportunity to engage with both established and emerging researchers.
What I expected to be just another conference became something far more meaningful. Beyond the scientific exchange, I had valuable discussions about the PhD experience, life after the PhD, and broader perspectives on academia. Feeling truly listened to made a lasting impression on me. I left not only with new knowledge, but with important connections and friendships, along with wonderful memories of the beautiful city of Belgrade.
I strongly believe that events bringing together younger and more experienced generations are essential for the future of our respective fields and for the culture of science itself. These spaces encourage mutual understanding, broaden perspectives, and inspire conversations that go beyond scientific questions to include reflection on how academia continues to evolve.
Thank you for creating such an enriching and memorable experience.
Ali
This course was my first international conference abroad. As a first-year Ph.D. student, having the opportunity to go to another country and meet new people was a challenge, but the atmosphere created by Aleksandra Trifunovic and Mirko Đorđević was friendly.
Ok, I’ll tell you a true story ;o) I forgot to make my one-slide presentation. I was very stressed because I had a few hours to upload it. I went to Aleksandra and asked her for more time, but I cannot forget how she comforted me and calmed me down. She may never have noticed, but she taught me an important lesson: true authority doesn't need to be cold to be respected. She turned a moment of pure panic into a profound life lesson.
The course gave me the opportunity to not only develop my career and learn new things from the experts but also find new friends. I had the pleasure of getting acquainted with Maria and Vera, who made the course more pleasing to me. Furthermore, I have a friend who is from Serbia and always suggested I visit Belgrade. Honestly, I was very pleased during the time that I stayed there. Even if there is no conference there, it is worth visiting Belgrade for sure.
I appreciate the opportunity that FEBS and EMBO created for young Ph.D. students. It integrated high-level science with a vibrant, engaging atmosphere. It bridged the gap between the 'scary' cutting-edge research and the human beings who actually do the work.
Giada
I first attended a Joint FEBS/EMBO Lecture Course in 2022, when I’d just started my PhD, and I loved the vibe, the concept behind it, and how interactive it all felt. I couldn’t pass up the chance to join again this time, a bit more seasoned and with a little more perspective, driven by my interest in the topic and the lineup of speakers.
One of the best parts for me was chatting over coffee or lunch with scientists who inspire our work, whose papers we read, or whose studies we would probably cite in our PhD theses and papers. Getting their advice and perspectives on your own research, discussing or challenging ideas in such an informal setting, was such an incredibly valuable opportunity.
I take it as a thoughtful gift when people with so much experience in research share their journey with us earlier in the field, how they got there, not just their science, but also their life experiences. Also, if you want to stay in the field or explore postdoc opportunities, it’s a perfect moment to talk and connect directly with the people from the labs you’d like to join. On top of that, the “meet the PI” sessions made it easy to have more focused conversations and explore potential collaborations. The organizers also created a uniquely warm and welcoming atmosphere, making everyone feel like part of a family.
The most important take-home message? I would say there were two. First, it reminded me why I chose this career, and made me fall in love with research all over again. Second, it showed me how important and energizing it is to be part of a community of people who share a crazy passion for their work and an incredible commitment to science and open education. We’re indeed lucky, this is one of the most beautiful jobs in the world, and we get to be part of such a generous, inspiring community.
Sarah
Attending this course on mitochondria in Serbia was both a scientific and a cultural experience. From the friendly taxi driver at the airport to the warmth of the local organizers, it was clear that hospitality and openness were central to the meeting. Serbia proved an excellent choice for the conference, offering a meaningful glimpse into the country’s political challenges and highlighting the creativity, resourcefulness, and determination of its scientific community, a perspective I valued greatly.
The scientific program was diverse, combining evolutionary perspectives with medical topics, including more exotic areas, like protists that entirely lack mitochondria, or newly discovered bacteria living inside mitochondria of ticks (a real-life Russian matryoshka!). Discussions on diversity, including gender and minority representation, as well as panels on hot research questions, showcased the coexistence of multiple scientific philosophies on stage. A statement that stayed with me was, “I only believe in what I understand”, which sparked reflection on how I want to shape my own approach.
At the end of my postdoc and looking to transition to independence, I particularly valued this new experience of engaging throughout the event, from connecting with established PIs during dedicated sessions and chatting with young group leaders over coffee, to realizing, during poster discussions, that I myself could facilitate connections between students. Joining a student discussion panel for the first time further highlighted the conference’s ability to create new opportunities for exchange across career levels.
Not to forget about the local food, which added another layer to the experience. Meals were abundant, with small dishes and traditional sweets that encouraged trying many flavours. Being welcomed so warmly, and even taken to a local beer spot by Mirko Dordevic’s lab (thank you, we truly enjoyed it), added a personal dimension to the event. If you ever have the chance, visiting Serbia is highly recommended.
Overall, the conference combined high-quality science with personal and cultural engagement. It was a pleasure to connect with the community in this unique setting and a reminder that science is shaped by curiosity, resilience, and the people we meet along the way.
Photo by Dimitrije Milenkovic on Unsplash.