Retreat of the clinical research group 5002 at Drübeck Monastery

From 30 to 31 March 2025, the members of the KFO5002 (Clinical Research Unit 5002: Characterization and Targeting of Genome Dynamics for a Subtype-Specific Therapy of Pancreatic Cancer) came together for a two-day retreat at Drübeck Monastery in the second funding phase - accompanied by selected guests such as Steve Johnsen and Heiner Wedemeyer from the scientific advisory board. Around 60 scientists, clinicians and doctoral students took the opportunity to present current research findings, gain new impetus and further intensify their collaboration. In addition to looking back on what has been achieved so far, the main focus was on jointly planning the next steps within the research network.

The event consisted of a series of scientific talks given by the lead researchers of the KFO core and subprojects as well as partners such as the MolPAC program and the Molecular Tumor Board of the University Medical Center Göttingen. The individual groups presented their research findings and proposals with technical expertise and creative approaches, which led to stimulating discussions and productive interactions throughout the retreat.

Another highlight was the poster session as an interactive format on the afternoon of March 30. Here, the project groups had the opportunity to present their results visually and discuss them in direct dialog. The open atmosphere invited participants to make new contacts and deepen existing collaborations.

The lectures and presentations were complemented by a hands-on workshop on data management and visualization tools led by Nils Beyer from our Biomedical Informatics Core Project (CP2). In small groups, participants learned how to test hypotheses using data generated by the KFO5002 and displayed in the KFO5002 internal cBioPortal platform. A small competition among the participants provided additional motivation: The most creative and exciting application of cBioPortal was awarded a prize.

In addition to the substantive work, there was no shortage of socializing. At the end of the evening in the cozy “Weinstube” of the monastery, there was plenty of opportunity to exchange ideas and expand scientific networks in a relaxed atmosphere. This encouraged both informal exchange and professional collaboration.

KFO5002 Projekt-Website: G-CCC | KFO5002 | UMG