Freiburg im Breisgau – 17 November 2023 – The Black Forest Nanopore Meeting (BFNM) 2023, organised by Nanodiag BW, successfully concluded on 6-9 November in Freiburg. This scientific conference brought together almost 200 scientists and engineers from around the world and sparked lively discussions about innovative ideas among participants from various disciplines. The outcome made it clear that nanopore technology will be one of the key technologies in the near future. It offers a particularly promising approach in epigenetic research for the faster and more reliable detection of post-translational modifications in proteins.
Fruitful Exchange between Research and Industry
The BFNM 2023 focused on the advancement of single-molecule sequencing, the analysis of epigenetic modifications, and their seamless integration into diagnostic workflows for personalised and precision medicine. The conference showcased remarkable progress in research and technology transfer, enabling an early exchange between the various disciplines necessary for the successful implementation of these approaches in clinical practice.
With around 40 expert talks and more than 70 scientific posters, the latest findings from around the world were brought together under the roof of the Friedrichsbau in Freiburg’s city centre, complemented by an impressive industry forum that reflected the state of commercial activities in this field.
“The contributions at the meeting demonstrated steady and sometimes astonishing progress in all the disciplines and subdisciplines that come together in the field of nanopore research, making it such a diverse—and, to be honest, entertaining—experience to participate in,” summarised Prof. Dr Jan C. Behrends, spokesperson for Nanodiag BW. “It was particularly impressive to see what is now possible with machine learning/AI, not only for signal processing and data mining but also for signal prediction and the design and optimisation of pore-forming proteins. The combination of these new possibilities with new hardware and the ingenious assays we’ve seen, using both biological and solid-state pores, will bring us significantly closer to our shared goal of nanopore-based proteomics.”
Apl. Prof. Dr Felix von Stetten, also a spokesperson for Nanodiag BW, highlighted the collegial and stimulating atmosphere of the conference. The discussions among the researchers “showed the significant recent advances in the field of nanopore-based protein sequencing from both a scientific and commercial perspective. These enormous strides make me very optimistic about the development of future applications in epigenetics and personalised medicine. I am pleased with the open exchange between participants from different disciplines, hierarchies, and sectors, including science and industry. This conference provided an exceptional opportunity to broaden our knowledge across disciplines, which I consider crucial for the successful translation of nanopore-based protein sequencing into commercial applications.”
Evening Lecture by Prof. Pfanner
One of the scientific highlights, according to the participants, was the evening lecture by Prof. Klaus Pfanner from Freiburg on the topic of “Mitochondrial Transport Mechanisms for Preproteins.”
“We are particularly grateful for Klaus Pfanner’s evening lecture. A true master explained to us in a compelling manner how nature organises the transport of proteins through membranes—a topic that is of great interest to us today,” said Jan C. Behrends in his concluding remarks. “The lively discussion that followed and the feedback we received showed us that we made the right choice.”
Comprehensive Social Programme
To foster exchange among participants, a comprehensive social programme was organised. The social dinner at the venerable Historisches Kaufhaus at Freiburg’s Münsterplatz provided ample opportunity to strengthen personal connections, accompanied by musical performances by Nina Behrends on cello and Alász Demény on piano.
An excursion to the historic silver mine Schauinsland, Freiburg’s local mountain, was undoubtedly a highlight for all “expedition participants.” In-depth insights into historical mining techniques provided an exciting contrast to the demanding presentations during the scientific sessions.
Alternatively, scientists could join a city tour of Freiburg’s old town, where they learned many unexpected facts about Freiburg’s history. Insights into the “Nun’s Crypt” and the origins of the Münster made for a refreshing break before the next talks.
The enthusiastic feedback from participants suggests that BFNM 2023 was a resounding success, and Nanodiag BW is already looking forward to organising the next edition of the event in the not-too-distant future.
What is Nanodiag BW?
Nanopore technology offers a promising approach to detecting post-translational modifications in proteins faster and more reliably, especially in epigenetic research. The innovation cluster Nanodiag BW, funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) as part of the Clusters4Future programme, aims to translate these breakthroughs into groundbreaking diagnostic products, innovative services, and high-growth start-ups to ultimately improve routine diagnostics, treatment, and aftercare for various diseases.
Impressions from BFNM 2023
