Strong network: Braunschweig workshop promotes metabolic research!

Strong network: Braunschweig workshop promotes metabolic research!

At the beginning of November, around 30 committed scientists gathered in the picturesque hills of the Harz Mountains for a workshop that will significantly shape the future of metabolic research in the Braunschweig ecosystem. The workshop took place on November 4th and 5th, 2025 in Drübeck Monastery and was launched by renowned personalities such as Professor Thekla Cordes from the Technical University of Braunschweig (TU Braunschweig) and Karsten Hiller, also from the TU. Among the participants were researchers at all career levels who worked together to build a strong community in the field of metabolic research, reports the TU Braunschweig TU Braunschweig reports that ....

The workshop focused on various activities aimed at promoting exchange and development within the research community. “We held discussions, collected ideas and developed important methodological approaches,” says Cordes. The topic of training and strengthening public relations so that metabolism research receives more visibility was particularly relevant.

Research with real added value

Metabolism research is of great importance as it controls the conversion of nutrients into energy, signaling molecules and biosynthetic intermediates. Dysregulation in these processes can lead to serious metabolic diseases, including cancer and inflammation. Cordes' team is intensively involved in characterizing the metabolic heterogeneity and interconnectivity of cells. Particular attention is paid to identifying metabolic weak points in inflammatory diseases that could be addressed through targeted therapies, adds the TU Braunschweig TU Braunschweig informs that….

State-of-the-art techniques such as mass spectrometry and metabolic tracing approaches are used to understand changes in metabolism. Cordes’ interdisciplinary background helps to develop therapeutic approaches while strengthening local and international networks.

New perspectives in metabolic research

At the same time, the Center for Metabolism Research (ZfS) at the University of Cologne is working on further innovative solutions. The ZfS, which opened in September 2024, has set itself the goal of developing new therapies for metabolic diseases. It brings together around 120 researchers in 11 working groups and places a strong focus on interdisciplinary collaboration. Minister Ina Brandes will attend the inauguration as a guest of honor, which underlines the importance of this facility Medical Faculty of Cologne reports that ....

The research topics are diverse, including the identification of biomarkers, molecular mechanisms of insulin resistance and the pathophysiology of metabolic complications. As a catalyst for new therapies in metabolic research, the ZfS primarily wants to combat obesity and its associated consequences, which affect more and more people in Germany and cause high health costs.

In summary, it can be said that metabolic research in the Braunschweig region and beyond is experiencing exciting developments. Both the workshop in Drübeck and the work in the Center for Metabolism Research show that many bright minds come together here to find fresh approaches and solutions to pressing health issues.