When I received the invitation from Dr. Maria Cavinato to join the FEBS Workshop 'Immunology, Metabolism and Ageing' (Matrei am Brenner, Austria, 8–11 September 2025), I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had spent about six weeks working in her lab at the Medical University of Innsbruck, thanks to the COST Action CA21108 “NETSKINMODELS”, which made this collaboration possible. Accepting her invitation turned out to be one of the most inspiring decisions of my PhD journey.
As a final-year PhD student at the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, my research focuses on solid lipid nanoparticles to stimulate hyaluronic acid production in skin cells – a project at the crossroads of nanotechnology, skin biology, and ageing. The FEBS Workshop came at the perfect time, just before I entered the final phase of writing my thesis, offering new perspectives and motivation.
A perfect setting for science and reflection
The organisation was impeccable. The event took place in a peaceful hotel surrounded by the Austrian Alps, where the fresh mountain air and a nearby lake created an atmosphere ideal for both focus and connection. The programme covered cutting-edge topics – from molecular mechanisms of senescence to translational strategies against age-related diseases – and the speakers were outstanding.
I was especially inspired by Johannes Grillari, who presented a novel approach to senolytic therapy by targeting arachidonic acid metabolism; Michelle Linterman, who explained age-related changes in vaccine responses with remarkable clarity; Jérôme Lamartine, whose talk on extracellular vesicles in skin ageing resonated strongly with my own work; and Myriam Gorospe, who showed how noncoding RNAs preserve mitochondrial function during muscle ageing. Each lecture offered fresh ideas I could connect directly to my research.
Conversations that stayed with me
Beyond the lectures, the workshop stood out for its open and friendly atmosphere. Meals were shared at large tables, and each day brought opportunities to meet researchers from Austria, France, New Zealand, the United States, and beyond.
Some of my favourite memories are from the informal evenings – playing table football, sharing amaretto with lime, and finally having time to talk freely with colleagues I had barely known during our busy lab days. One dinner conversation about 'mouse stitching' experiments was both surprising and fascinating, showing how creative and complex biomedical research can be.
Another highlight was a thought-provoking discussion on whether humans should live to 200 years. What started as a scientific question soon became philosophical, touching on ethics, purpose, and the quality of life. The debate continued long after the official session ended – a perfect example of how science connects people beyond the lab.
Growth and gratitude
My presentation was scheduled for the final session of the workshop. Nervous but motivated, I even re-analysed my data the night before to make my talk more precise. Presenting at the end was intense – but deeply rewarding. The feedback I received helped me see my work through new eyes and strengthened my confidence as I prepare to complete my PhD.
Leaving Matrei am Brenner, I felt both peaceful and inspired. The workshop reminded me that science is more than experiments – it is curiosity, conversation, and collaboration.
I am deeply grateful to Dr. Maria Cavinato and her team for their invitation and support, to the organisers and speakers for the excellent programme, and to FEBS for creating such a meaningful event. I also warmly thank COST Action CA21108 “NETSKINMODELS” for enabling my collaboration in Innsbruck, which made my participation possible (Maria Cavinato and I are members of this COST Action, as is Pidder Jansen-Dürr, one of the course co-organisers).
The FEBS Workshop 'Immunology, Metabolism and Ageing' was the perfect way to close the experimental phase of my PhD and open a new chapter filled with ideas, friends, and inspiration.
For more information about the FEBS Advanced Courses programme visit the FEBS website.
All images provided by Zinaida Shakel.