Introduction: Taking time for reflection

As the beginning of a new academic year is drawing near, it is a fitting moment to reflect on the experiences from the 48th FEBS Congress, held in Milano 29 June – 3 July 2024. This congress not only showcased groundbreaking research but also underscored the pivotal link between scientific advancement and educational progress.

It has been almost two months since the FEBS Congress occurred, yet the insights gained continue to resonate deeply. The event provided a dynamic platform for presenting innovative research, fostering international collaboration, and exploring the future directions of biomedical sciences. The vibrant discussions and invaluable networking opportunities significantly enriched our understanding of contemporary scientific challenges and advancements.

Bridging research and education: A forward-looking perspective

Looking ahead to the academic year, the themes emphasized at the FEBS Congress are increasingly becoming relevant to educational curricula. In particular, the integration of cutting-edge research findings into educational frameworks is crucial. As educators and researchers, we are in a unique position to bridge the gap between emerging scientific knowledge and its application in teaching. This involves not only updating curricula to reflect the latest research but also engaging students with real-world scientific questions and methodologies.

Incorporating lessons learned during the Congress into teaching practices: From Congress to classroom

The upcoming academic year offers a prime opportunity to incorporate the valuable lessons learned from the congress into our teaching practices. By emphasizing the connections between research and education, we can inspire the next generation of scientists and researchers. In addition to enhancing educational experiences this approach fosters a culture of inquiry and discovery.

Reflecting on the 60^th FEBS Congress, we are reminded of the remarkable sessions and distinguished speakers who made the event unforgettable. The congress was opened with a compelling Plenary Lecture by Nobel Laureate Prof. Bruce Alan Beutler on "Cancer-Resistant Mice," setting a high standard for the days to come. The second day featured special lectures by Nobel Laureates Robert Huber and Venkatraman Ramakrishnan, as well as Prof. Alberto Mantovani, covering topics ranging from protein biochemistry to innate immunity and inflammation. Day three continued with another insightful lecture by Prof. Ramakrishnan. The fourth day offered enlightening talks by Elena Conti, Brenda Schulman, and Sandro Sonnino, which spanned topics from RNA homeostasis to the neurotrophic properties of gangliosides. Finally, the congress was concluded with a fascinating presentation by Nobel Laureate John Walker on the rotary mechanism of ATP synthase and its crucial role in energy production.

While transitioning from these congress highlights to the start of the new academic year, the challenge before us is clear: how do we effectively translate the wealth of knowledge gained from such high-level scientific discourse into our classrooms? The themes discussed at the FEBS Congress are not just of academic interest; they are directly relevant to the way we educate the next generation of scientists. By integrating the latest research findings into our teaching practices, we can provide students with an education that is not only up-to-date but also deeply rooted in the real-world applications of science. In this way, we can truly embrace research-based knowledge, leading to a more competency-oriented and system-based education. This approach ensures that the excitement and innovation of the congress continue to inspire beyond the conference halls, shaping both our curricula and our students’ scientific journeys.

Behind the scenes: Key interactions

The congress provided an invaluable platform for meaningful interactions with some of the most distinguished scientists in the field, including Nobel Laureates Bruce A. Beutler, Robert Huber, Venkatraman Ramakrishnan, and John Walker. These rendezvous were not just limited to presentations but extended to informal discussions which can spark new ideas and provide fertile ground for collaborations.

In addition to engaging with these eminent figures, the event featured opportunities for industry professionals to present the latest advancements in commercial instrumentation, offering insights into cutting-edge technologies that could potentially accelerate research.

A particularly significant aspect of the Congress was the chance to network with a diverse group of attendees, including junior and senior researchers, scientific policy makers, industry experts, and educators. These interactions often led to discussions about current research and potential grant proposals, laying the groundwork for collaborative projects.

One of the unique benefits of attending such an international event is the opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and friends, both senior and junior. It’s ironic that while we work in the same country, time constraints often prevent us from meeting. Yet, here, in a different country and this time in the vibrant city of Milano we found the time to catch up, exchange ideas, and discuss ongoing and future projects.

Our own research presentations

Our own research, presented during the Congress, highlighted some findings from the Neuroscience Laboratory of the COBRAIN scientific-educational center for fundamental brain research of Yerevan State Medical University after Mkhitar Heratsi. We observed amyloid-affected, disease-associated brain tissues and inferred that oxidative damage varied across brain regions in cell culture model of Alzheimer’s disease. Our results uncovered that "light" damage in the Locus Coeruleus could contribute to Alzheimer’s disease protection via the noradrenaline pathway.

Moving forward, our focus will be on further exploring this protective mechanism, with the aim of developing potential therapeutic strategies that could mitigate the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

Future outlook: Advancing Alzheimer’s research and educational integration 

Beyond the lab, we are committed to integrating these cutting-edge findings into our educational practices. By incorporating our latest research into the curriculum, we hope to inspire students to engage with real-world scientific challenges and contribute to the ongoing quest for solutions in the field of neurodegenerative diseases. This dual approach, advancing research while enhancing education, ensures that our work at the Neuroscience Laboratory of the COBRAIN Center continues to have a meaningful impact on both the scientific community and the next generation of researchers.

Conclusion: Embracing innovation and collaboration

In summary, the 48th Milano FEBS Congress was a milestone event that profoundly enriched our professional experiences. While transitioning into the new academic year, let us carry forward the spirit of innovation and collaboration, ensuring that our educational practices remain as dynamic and forward-thinking as the research presented at the congress. Looking forward to meeting again at future events, perhaps in Yerevan.

Top image of the audience at the 48th FEBS Congress main room.