Sep 01, 2025 - Sep 03, 2025; Symposium
Engineering Life 2025: Origin and Function of Mechanical Forces in Biology
Julien Berro, Yale University, US
Mary Elting, NC State University, US
Sergi Garcia-Manyes, King's College London, UK
Henry Hess, Columbia University, US
Benoit Ladoux, Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin, DE
Berna Ozcale, TUM, DE
Ritu Raman, MIT, US
Felix Rico, Aix-Marseille Université, FR
Matthias Rief, TUM, DE
Anna Rising, Karolinska Institutet, SE
Frank Schnorrer, IBDM – Institut de Biologie du Développement de Marseille, FR
Ulrich Schwarz, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, DE
Sara A. Wickström, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, DE
Registration
The event is limited to 120 participants. About 15 talks will be selected from the submitted abstracts.
Program Overview (full program will follow soon)
Mechanical forces are essential for maintaining the integrity and functionality of biological systems. At the molecular level, forces originate from interactions among biomolecules, such as proteins, lipids and polysaccharides. They govern vital processes such as molecular recognition, enzymatic activity, and membrane dynamics, shaping the molecular landscape for cellular function. At the cellular level, forces play a pivotal role in cellular dynamics, stemming from processes like cytoskeletal mechanics, molecular motor activity, and cell-cell interactions. These forces are instrumental in critical cellular functions including adhesion, migration, division, and morphogenesis. At the tissue level, forces guide cell differentiation and organization, thus shaping materials like exo- and endo-skeletons, cuticular structures and other extracellular matrices. Mechanical signaling is vital for tissue development, morphogenesis, repair, and adaptation, maintaining structural integrity throughout life.
Understanding the origin and functionality of mechanical forces is fundamental for unraveling the complexities of biological systems and materials, paving the way for advancements in fields such as tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and biomimetic materials design.Engineering Life 2025 will focus on the origin and function of mechanical forces in biological systems, covering insights from molecules to cells and tissues. The symposium will bring together experts from multiple disciplines providing a comprehensive overview of current advancements and challenges, offering valuable knowledge for those engaged in both fundamental and applied biological research.
Organizers:
TUD Dresden University of Technology
B CUBE - Center for Molecular Bioengineering
Stefan Diez, Barbara Lindemann, Mariana Medina-Sanchéz, Michael Schlierf, Igor Zlotnikov
Contact: