RTG 2816
Non-canonical
G protein signaling pathways
Emerging Aspects of Non-Canonical
G Protein Signaling
International symposium
organized by the RTG 2816
16.06. - 19.06. 2026
Hotel Königshof, Oberstaufen
From GPCRs to Mountain Views: Four Days of Science & Connection
From 16th to 19th of June, the RTG2816, consisting of a group of motivated students and their supervisors, exchanged the well-known lab environment for the beautiful mountain scenery in Oberstaufen (Bavaria) with the aim of deep scientific exchange, networking, and teambuilding.
Since these four days were dedicated to diving into the diverse topic of non-canonical GPCR signalling, we had the pleasure of listening to talks from leading experts. The lineup of invited keynote speakers underscored the diversity of this field. Prof. Mikel Garcia-Marcos (Boston University), for instance, introduced us to a variety of strategies to investigate G protein dynamics, whereas Prof. Terence Hébert (McGill University) provided a vivid example of non-canonical GPCR signalling, as he explained how Gβγ can act in the nucleus and how this might be regulated by KCTD. Moreover, topics spanned signal transduction of adhesion GPCRs (Prof. Torsten Schöneberg, University of Leipzig), mechanisms and treatment strategies of dominant Gα mutations (Prof. Vladimir Katanaev, University of Geneva), as well as inflammation–hemostasis crosstalk in cardiovascular disease (Prof. Alice Assinger, Medical University of Vienna).
Next to this in-depth input, we, as doctoral researchers, were given the opportunity to share our own research in two formats (poster and oral presentation), which allowed us to practice both of the most common ways of scientific knowledge exchange. Especially the flash talks were followed by a lively discussion in which valuable ideas for improvement were contributed by both professors and fellow students.
Despite a dense schedule, the organizers enabled sessions that included non-scientific knowledge transfer. Particularly enlightening was the Q&A session on career advice, decision-making, and the importance of reflection, given by six successful researchers with distinct career trajectories (Prof. Ellen Reisinger, Prof. Annette Grüters-Kieslich, Prof. Alice Assinger, Prof. Mikel Garcia-Marcos, Lea Berg, and Nadja Schlichenmaier). Moreover, there was also a "student-only" time slot dedicated to discussions about ongoing and future difficulties, as well as ways of solving those conflicts. Especially 2nd cohort students could profit from the experiences of 1st cohort students.
While the scientific and non-scientific input was extensive, we were also given the chance to recover and network outside of the seminar rooms. To do so, we explored the picturesque historic centre of Oberstaufen in the form of a scavenger hunt, enjoyed the refreshing water of the Buchenegger waterfalls, and wound down the last evening with a delicious BBQ.Altogether, we left Oberstaufen not only with fresh ideas for our own research, but also with stronger connections amongst us, the students of the RTG2816 of Tübingen.
RTG 2816
Non-canonical
G protein signaling pathways