The 12^th IPMM Days took place on March 30–31, 2026, and brought together more than 120 PhD students from the Interdisciplinary Program of Molecular Medicine (IPMM) at the University of Cologne. Held in the research building of the Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), the two-day meeting was organized by IPMM doctoral students David Benitez Álvarez (Inst. of Genetics, RG of Hans Zempel), Konstantin Bunte (Center for Molecular Medicine, RG of Philipp Antczak), and Ouissam Ayachi (former IPMM Member), with support from Dr. Catherine Niemann, scientific coordinator of the IPMM program.

With a strong focus on student research, IPMM Days 2026 provided a lively platform for scientific exchange, career perspectives, and networking across disciplines. The scientific contributions of IPMM doctoral researchers formed the heart of the meeting: across the two-day program, 15 PhD students presented their projects in oral presentations, while 109 posters were presented and discussed in thematic poster sessions. Topics ranged from cancer biology, immunology, and neuroscience to developmental biology, biomarker research, molecular probe design, stem cell biology, and computational approaches. This broad scientific spectrum highlighted the interdisciplinary character of the IPMM and created many opportunities for discussion, feedback, and exchange among students.

“IPMM Days are a student-driven meeting shaped by doctoral researchers from many biomedical disciplines, all bringing their own perspectives and a shared enthusiasm for science. We were proud to create an open setting where students could present their work, discuss their projects, and connect across disciplines,” said the organizing committee. (David Benitez Álvarez, Konstantin Bunte, and Ouissam Ayachi)

Keynote Spekers from Madrid and Lyon

The student-led scientific program was further enriched by two invited IPMM Lectures. The organizing committee was delighted that Prof. Raquel Abalo Delgado from Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid, and Dr. Pierre Savatier from the University of Lyon and INSERM, Lyon, accepted their invitation as keynote speakers and joined the meeting in Cologne. In IPMM Lecture I, Prof. Abalo Delgado presented her research on post-chemotherapy neuropathy and its relevance for improving the quality of life of cancer survivors. In IPMM Lecture II, Dr. Savatier gave insights into stem cell fate determination in mice, with implications for developmental biology, regenerative medicine, and cancer research. Both lectures were greatly appreciated by the students.

In an alumni talk, Dr. Gladiola Goranci-Buzhala shared her journey from IPMM doctoral researcher to postdoctoral scientist and her current role as lab manager. Her personal insights offered students a relatable perspective on career development, professional choices, and life after the PhD.

A Biotech Exhibition added another perspective to the program, with Miltenyi Biotec and Promega introducing their companies, technologies, and career opportunities in the biotechnology sector. The generous support of both companies was gratefully acknowledged.

IPMM Days Awards

The meeting concluded with the IPMM Days 2026 awards, recognizing outstanding IPMM student contributions. The awards went to Kristie Bariboloka (Annibaldi Lab) for Best Talk, Daniel Schliebs (Thomas Lab) for Best Poster, and Hassan Rakhsh-Khorshid (Liccardi Lab) for Best Scientific Discussion.

“What I appreciate most about IPMM Days is the opportunity to discover research far beyond my own project. As PhD students, we often focus deeply on our specific questions, but this meeting shows how many connections exist between different fields: from cancer biology and immunology to neuroscience and computational approaches. It is inspiring to see how our individual projects contribute to a broader scientific effort,” said Hassan Rakhsh-Khorshid, IPMM PhD student and awardee for Best Scientific Discussion.

The IPMM organizing committee thanks Dr. Catherine Niemann, scientific coordinator of the IPMM program, Dr. Christoph Aszyk from the Vice Deanery for Research and Translation, and the CMMC Office Team, Dr. Nadja Borchers and Bettina Kranz, for their valuable support.

The 12^th IPMM Days successfully showcased the scientific curiosity, collaborative spirit, and strong sense of community within the IPMM graduate school. With doctoral research at its center, IPMM Days 2026 provided an inspiring setting for interdisciplinary exchange, new ideas, and future collaborations within Cologne’s biomedical research community.

Comment Dr. Debora Grosskopf-Kroiher: This report is based on the written personal impressions of Hassan Rakhsh-Khorshid, IPMM PhD student and awardee for Best Scientific Discussion.