The CRC 1279 Symposium (September 26th to 27th in Ulm) assembled peptide researchers to present the progress of ongoing projects and to discuss future possibilities and potential new collaborative research projects. Significant advances were presented in the discovery and optimization of antimicrobial and anticancer peptides, paving the way for future therapeutic applications. Marked progress was also presented in peptide delivery and in the application of nanodiamonds to monitor local changes in cellular properties, such as temperature and pH.

The Symposium featured three keynotes by outstanding experts. Prof. Juliane Walz (University of Tübingen) delivered an inspiring lecture on peptide-based cancer immunotherapies. Prof. Christian Hackenberger (Leibniz Institute for Molecular Pharmacology, Berlin) walked us through how peptide drugs could make it into the clinic (‘bench to bedside’). Prof. Roderich Süssmuth (TU Berlin) introduced Albicidin, a fascinating new plant-derived atypical peptide with antibiotic properties.

The first day concluded with a vibrant networking dinner in the Life Science Building N27, fostering exchange of ideas among students and established scientists. On day two, several prospective new CRC 1279 members shared their data and ideas. This included, among others, the generation and analysis of peptide libraries from adipose tissue for the discovery of novel modulators of inflammation, infectious diseases and cancers.

To conclude the meeting, Prof. Frank Kirchhoff, spokesperson of the CRC 1279, provided a brief overview of the upcoming timeline and tasks in preparation for the application for the final funding period of CRC 1279. Overall, the Symposium illustrated the power of interdisciplinary interactions in driving exciting and sometimes highly unexpected discoveries.