Retreat 2017: Eye researchers meet again at Kloster Steinfeld

Over thirty members of the German Research Foundation (DFG) Research Unit FOR 2240 met on the 30th of June and the 1st of July 2017 in the Salvatorian Monastery of Steinfeld (Kloster Steinfeld).
Already for the second time the principle 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 individual 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 principle investigators of the first 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”, “Myeloid cell function in corneal hem- and lymphangiogenesis”, “Tumor-associated lymphangiogenesis and its inhibition as a novel therapeutic strategy in conjunctival melanomas”, “Role of the complement system and microglia in age-related macular degeneration”, “The role of interleukin (IL)-10 in the pathogenesis of autoimmune uveitis in mouse and man”, . and “Cologne Experimental Eye Imaging Center (CEE-IC)”. In addition, two new projects with a mix of experienced and first-time applicants were presented at the retreat.
Over dinner and in the beautiful natural setting of the monastery, the scientists also found ample opportunities for discussion and exchange away from the demands of daily routines.
Kloster Steinfeld is located about an hour away from Cologne in Kall-Steinfeld, part of the green, hilly Eifel region. Its beginnings go back to the 10th century. Photos of the venue can be found here: http://www.kloster-steinfeld.com/en/bildergalerie.