RTG 2816
Non-canonical
G protein signaling pathways
11th German Pharm-Tox Summit
-Düsseldorf-
92nd Annual Meeting of the German Society for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology (DGPT)
17.03.-20.03.2026
Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf
Professor of Ternopil National Medical University (TNMU) is an Invited Lecturer of the European Federation of Pharmacological Societies (EPHAR)
Oksana Shevchuk, Professor of the Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology at TNMU, attended the 11th German Pharm-Tox Summit 2026 as an invited lecturer. The event took place on March 17–20 in Düsseldorf, Germany, in co-operation with the Association for Applied Human Pharmacology (AGAH) and the Dutch Society of Toxicology (NVT).
Within the framework of the public interdisciplinary symposium “Pharma-cology in Times of Crisis: Threats – Challenges – Opportunities,” orga-nized during the annual meeting of the German Society for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology (DGPT) on March 19, 2026, Professor Oksana Shevchuk, as an invited lecturer of the European
Federation of Pharmacological Societies (EPHAR), delivered a presentation titled “Medicine Without Pause: Research, Education, and Patient Care in Wartime Ukraine.”
In her presentation, Professor Shevchuk highlighted key challenges in conducting scientific research, maintaining a high standard of medical education, and providing healthcare under the conditions of the ongoing war in Ukraine, particularly in the context of I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University.
Special attention was given to issues such as infrastructure destruction, the need for rapid organizational adapta-tion, shifts in therapeutic priorities, the implementation of new educational formats, and international cooperation, as well as the treatment of wounded patients under extreme strain on the healthcare system.
The symposium was organized and moderated by Professor Bernd Nürnberg, MD, Medical Director of the Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology at the University Hospital Tübingen.
Bridging Science in Times of Crisis — GPTS 2026, Düsseldorf
From March 17 to 20, the 11th German Pharm-Tox Summit (GPTS 2026) was held in Düsseldorf. Jointly organized by DGPT, DGP, and DGKliPha, the meeting brought together researchers from diverse areas of pharmacology and toxicology, attracting participants from across the world. The breadth of topics, spanning multiple disciplines and ranging from fundamental molecular mechanisms to pressing global health challenges, was particularly notable.
This diversity not only reflected the scope of current research, but also underscored how scientific progress relies on connections across disciplines, perspectives, and real-world contexts.
🧠 Bridging Concepts Across Signaling Systems
One of the most intellectually stimulating sessions was Symposium 5 on GPCR-independent G protein activation, featuring a presentation by Prof. Bernd Nürnberg. Closely aligned with the research focus of RTG 2816, this session challenged established views by highlighting that G proteins can be activated beyond their classical role as GPCR downstream effectors.
This expanded perspective on signal transduction was supported by experimental approaches such as in vitro biotinylation to identify protein–protein interactions in non-canonical G protein signaling, providing insight into how these mechanisms may function within sensory systems.
Further insights were provided by presentations from RTG members, including Prof. Dr. Timo Müller’s work on the regulation of energy metabolism via GIPR agonism and antagonism, as well as Ragini Kushwaha’s study on the role of Gαi2 and Gαi3 in cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury. Observing how similar molecular components operate across distinct physiological and pathological contexts highlighted the broader interdependence of signaling systems.
In addition, Symposium 25 on CNS-targeted AAV-based gene therapy offered a complementary, translational perspective. The discussions on delivery efficiency and safety considerations were particularly relevant to my own research on gene therapy for hearing loss, illustrating how mechanistic understanding and therapeutic development can inform and reinforce one another.
These conceptual insights were further enriched through poster discussions. What stood out in particular was the active role of presenters: rather than simply displaying their work, they introduced their projects and responded to questions in real time. This reshaped my previous perception of poster sessions, highlighting them as dynamic platforms for dialogue rather than static displays.
🌍 Bridging Science and Global Reality A particularly notable part of the meeting was Symposium 20: “Pharmacology in Times of Crisis.” This session created a space where scientific discourse intersected directly with pressing global realities, addressing how pharmacology and healthcare systems respond under conditions of instability and geopolitical tension. The presentations highlighted different dimensions of this theme. Prof. Oksana Shevchuk’s EPHAR Lecture, delivered at the beginning of the session, provided a powerful real-world perspective on medical education and healthcare under wartime conditions in Ukraine, illustrating both severe challenges and remarkable resilience. Building on this, subsequent presentations addressed broader structural aspects: Prof. Gerhard Achatz discussed civil–military cooperation in geopolitical contexts, Prof. Peter Bradl focused on resilient healthcare systems, and Prof. Kai Kehe outlined emerging challenges in pharmacology and toxicology in light of the current “Zeitenwende.” What became evident in this context was that science cannot be separated from the conditions in which it is conducted, and instead relies fundamentally on stability, collaboration, and open channels of communication. At the same time, this session underscored the importance of sustaining a peaceful, inclusive, and internationally connected academic environment — one in which knowledge can be shared across borders, and where scientific progress remains possible even in times of uncertainty. 💻 Bridging Communication Across Languages During this symposium, I provided technical support for real-time translation. As the session was conducted primarily in German but featured an international speaker from Ukraine, ensuring accessibility became essential. Building on the existing two-screen setup, I suggested using one screen to display live translated text alongside the original slides via the iTourTranslator app, enabling participants from different language backgrounds to engage more effectively. Beyond its practical function, this experience also had a personal dimension. As an international PhD student communicating in a non-native language, I am aware of the challenges posed by language barriers. At the same time, it reminded me that language does not preclude genuine academic exchange or human connection, and that bridging such gaps can foster a more inclusive and connected scientific dialogue. 🍻 Bridging Beyond Science The social evening offered a contrast to the structured scientific program, creating space for more informal and open exchanges. In this setting, interactions extended beyond academic topics, highlighting that scientific collaboration is shaped not only through formal presentations, but also through shared experiences and interpersonal connections. What I also appreciated was the openness and approachability of the speakers — many of whom combined deep expertise with a sense of humor, making interactions both engaging and inspiring. In this context, I had a brief exchange with Prof. Oksana Shevchuk, during which I asked for her advice from the perspective of a PhD student. Her encouraging words stayed with me: “You are valuable and precious person! Find those things that inspire you.” Düsseldorf, as the host city, gradually became associated with these moments, each of which added a distinct and personal dimension to how I will remember the experience. Overall, attending GPTS 2026 was a highly enriching experience, deepening my understanding of both scientific concepts and the broader context in which they operate. More importantly, it highlighted the inherently collaborative nature of science and the value of being part of an international scientific community. In this sense, “bridging” extends beyond scientific content to the conditions that enable connection, with meaningful exchange depending on stability, mutual understanding, and cooperation.
RTG 2816
Non-canonical
G protein signaling pathways