The 1st SIB Young Meeting, held on 25–27 March 2026 at Casa per Ferie San Marco in Abano Terme, Padua, brought together early-career researchers for three days of scientific exchange, training and community building. Organised by SIB Young, the Meeting was supported by SIB and FEBS as a FEBS-supported Education Event, and also received support from IUBMB through funding for Simon Tang, IUBMB FEBS Committee Member, to participate in the workshop on innovative teaching in the AI era.
The programme was designed to address both scientific and professional development needs of young researchers. The opening day featured a workshop on biological networks for omics data analysis, followed by a session on university recruitment and academic careers, combining expert input with a roundtable discussion. The second day focused on two highly topical themes: artificial intelligence and sustainability in research, and innovative teaching approaches in biochemistry and molecular biology, with particular attention to science dissemination and interactive learning in the AI era. Simon Tang's contribution added an international and educational dimension to the Meeting, linking the event to broader discussions on innovation in teaching and training.
A distinctive aspect of the Meeting was the central role given to participant engagement. All applicants were invited to present their work through flash talks, while a selection of outstanding abstracts was featured in the "Bench Talks – Live Edition" roundtable session. This participant-focused structure was further reinforced by the final day's sessions on grant writing and Industry 4.0, which expanded the Meeting's scope beyond academic science alone and reflected the diverse career pathways available to young scientists.
The residential format also strongly contributed to the event's spirit. By hosting scientific sessions, meals and accommodation in the same venue, the Meeting created a setting that encouraged exchange across formal and informal moments. Social activities, including evening access to the thermal pool and an after-dinner outing, complemented the scientific programme and fostered an inclusive, relaxed atmosphere for networking among participants.
Overall, the 1st SIB Young Meeting offered a vivid example of how a focused, well-structured event can support the scientific growth, professional development and sense of community of early-career researchers. Through its combination of topical science, career-oriented discussion, innovative teaching, and participant-centred design, the Meeting reflected the educational mission that FEBS actively promotes across its supported events.