We at TRAIN Omics are still very excited after our inspiring TRAIN Omics Retreat 2025 at Kloster Drübeck!!!
In bright sunshine, around 30 experts from the TRAIN partner institutes from all areas of omics and data science came together for a short lunch-to-lunch meeting and demonstrated their desire to work together to tackle current challenges ranging from precision medicine to One Health concepts in Lower Saxony.
Prof. Dr. Bernd Wollnik, our TRAIN Omics spokesperson and Director of Human Genetics at the University Medical Center Göttingen, delivered inspiring opening remarks that framed our discussions for the time ahead. Dr. Sara Haag as the TRAIN Omics coordinator then provided an engaging update on the future perspective of TRAIN Omics, reinforcing our commitment to pushing boundaries in research and clinical application. In the spirit of collaboration, our Elevator Pitch event provided a platform for each participant to introduce themselves and share their key research areas.
We were very happy to welcome Dr. Martin Seifert as a keynote lecturer. In his talk titled “Resolving Biology: Gain a New View of Biology with Single Cell and Spatial Analysis,“ he shed light on the groundbreaking innovations at 10X Genomics. He explained how the company’s cutting-edge single-cell and spatial genomics platforms are transforming biological research by allowing scientists to analyze individual cells and their spatial organization within tissues. Seifert highlighted that these advanced tools enable a deeper understanding of cellular complexity and heterogeneity, which is critical for driving discoveries in personalized medicine and clinical diagnostics. His insights showcased how 10X Genomics is not only pushing the boundaries of research technology but also paving the way for novel approaches to diagnose and treat diseases. This great lecture was followed by an existing discussion chaired by PD Dr. Meina Neumann-Schaal (Leibniz Institute DSMZ) on the interface of omics core facilities between standard methods and innovative research technologies.
One standout session focused on standardizing omics technologies. This standardization is key to translating innovative research into clinical impact. Thought leaders like Prof. Dr. Gavin O’Connor (Physikalisch Technische Bundesanstalt) explained the basics of omics-standardization. Prof. Dr. Susanne Engelmann (Technische Universität Braunschweig & Helmholtz-Centre for Infection Research) and PD Dr. Xingbo Xu (Medical University Centre Göttjngen) detailed the intricacies of proteomics and transcriptomics, respectively. Prof. Dr. Helena Zacharias (Hannover Medical School) offered insights into the challenges and breakthroughs in data science and metabolomics. Her discussion reinforced that unified standards unlock our research’s full potential.
During his evening lecture titled “AI Systems for Integrative Multi-omics Data,” Prof. Dr. Tim Beißbarth, Head of Medical Bioinformatics at the University Medical Center Göttingen, captivated the audience with insights into the convergence of artificial intelligence and multi-omics research. He explained how AI streamlines the integration of complex datasets from genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics to uncover critical patterns driving personalized medicine. His presentation underscored AI’s transformative impact on diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic strategies, paving the way for more precise healthcare solutions. On Day 2, under the chairmanship of Prof. Dr. Thomas Illig, our workshop and project pitch sessions offered a fertile ground for developing joint multi-omics use cases in Lower Saxony. The energy, creativity, and shared commitment displayed during these sessions have already laid the groundwork for exciting new projects and collaborations that will further advance TRAIN Omics in our region.
We are incredibly proud of what we achieved together at this retreat—an event that not only showcased the cutting edge of omics research but also reinforced the power of networking and collective vision. The urge to connect was very present and honored us as organizers. As we move forward, we remain dedicated to fostering these collaborative connections and pioneering new projects that will shape the future of translational health research and clinical innovation.
Many thanks to all participants who made this event such a great success!!!!
We look forward to seeing you all again next year.