FOR 2240 Retreat 2019 Abbey Brauweiler

Thirdy-two members of the German Research Foundation (DFG) Research Unit FOR 2240 met on the 8th of March 2019 in the Abbey of Brauweiler. It was the first time the principal investigators of the FOR 2240 and associated scientists and clinicians met in this quiet and peaceful environment to present and discuss recent progress in their projects, to foster exchange and new collaborations, and to prepare for the extension of the research unit.
The meeting was led by Prof. Claus Cursiefen as Speaker and Prof. Thomas Langmann as co-speaker of the FOR 2240.
All principal investigators of the funding period presented and discussed the results of their projects. Titles included: “Induction of transplant tolerance by anti(lymph)angiogenic therapies”, “Identification of novel endogenous modulators of (inflammatory) lymphangiogenesis by analyzing mouse strain-specific differences”, “Cologne Experimental Eye Imaging Center (CEE-IC”, “Lymph- and hemangiogenesis in ocular graft-versus-host disease”, “The role of ABCB5-expressing limbal epithelial stem cells in corneal lymphangiogenic privilege and pterygium pathogenesis”, “The role of midkine in tumor-associated lymphangiogenesis and metastasis of ocular malignant melanoma”, “Myeloid cell function in corneal hem- and lymphangiogenesis” and “Role of complement receptors and microglia in age-related macular degeneration”. As a special feature, the FOR2240 invited a media trainer which explained and supported the PI’s and attendees to improve their presentation and interview skills. Over dinner and in the beautiful natural setting of the abbey, the scientists also found various opportunities for discussion.
The Abby Brauweiler is located about half an hour away from Cologne. You can find further information on the website: https://abteibrauweiler.lvr.de/de/startseite.html