Torremolinos, Spain – Leading researchers from around the world convened in Torremolinos from February 10 to 13, 2025, for the EMBO Workshop on ‘Energy Balance in Metabolic Diseases.’ The conference aimed to deepen the scientific understanding of metabolism and its impact on human health, focusing on the complex interactions between organs contributing to metabolic disorders.
Key topics included adipose tissue biology, mitochondrial bioenergetics, RNA regulation in metabolic health and disease, liver metabolism, and brain energy metabolism. The workshop also highlighted innovative research approaches, including organ-on-chip technology, which is revolutionizing the study of metabolic processes beyond traditional pathways.
Celina Spangenberger, our representative from the MicroOrganoLab, shared her findings on monitoring dynamic resilience in the white adipose tissue in women before and after menopause. Her talk, delivered during the session, Additional Players Beyond Traditional Pathways, provided insights into metabolic changes in aging populations. Celina also presented a poster showcasing an alternative in vitro test model for cultivating primary human adipose tissue cells, a promising approach for advancing metabolic research.
Beyond scientific discussions, the workshop fostered direct engagement with editors from leading journals such as Nature, Cell Press, and EMBO. Participants had the opportunity to exchange ideas, discuss publication strategies, and gain valuable editorial perspectives.
Networking opportunities extended beyond the conference hall, with attendees enjoying leisure activities such as a visit to a cave and an excursion to the city of Malaga. The event concluded with a gala dinner, reinforcing collaboration and interdisciplinary cooperation among experts in the field.
Key takeaways from the workshop emphasized the crucial role of science communication, the importance of thinking outside the box, and the necessity of collaboration in developing effective strategies for treating metabolic diseases. As research in this field continues to evolve, the insights shared at this year’s EMBO Workshop are expected to drive innovative solutions for metabolic health challenges worldwide.
