Michael Potente

"Young Investigator Meeting, which took place as part of the 12th International Kloster Seeon Meeting on ‘Angiogenesis’ on September 16th and 17th, 2022, was both a substantial content and organizational success. Early-career scientists Dr. Jocelynda Salvador (Chicago), Dr. Danielle Rae Pi (Chicago), and Dr. Marco Castro (Berlin) were entrusted with the organization and independently led the high-profile program.

The event commenced with a warm welcome and introduction by the organizers, setting a positive tone for the day. The first session, led by Jocelyn Salvador, focused on ‘Vascular Development and Remodeling.’ Holger Gerhardt's presentation on ‘Mechanisms of Vascular Patterning - from Cells to Networks’ provided a strong start and offered insightful perspectives on the intricate processes of vascular patterning. Under the
guidance of Marco Castro, the second session delved into ‘Endothelial Signaling and Metabolism.’ Mariona Grauperas's presentation on the significance of endothelial cells in regulating systemic metabolism added depth to the discussions and encouraged participant engagement. A subsequent round table discussion on 'Career Perspectives in
Vascular Biology' provided participants with the opportunity to share their individual experiences and insights. 

The third session, led by Laura Gutierrez, explored ‘Lymphatic Endothelium and Tissue Homeostasis’ with a comprehensive presentation by Taija Mäkinen on the diverse roles of the lymphatic vascular system in development and disease. This session not only expanded the scope of discussions but also emphasized the interdisciplinary nature of angiogenesis research.

Finally, Danielle R Pi chaired the fourth session on ‘Endothelial Adhesion and Vascular Integrity,’ with Stephan Huveneers delivering a captivating presentation on 'Junctional Mechanotransduction in Angiogenesis.' The inclusion of a session on scientific publishing with George Caputa, a Senior Editor at the renowned scientific journal Nature, further enriched the program and provided valuable insights into the publishing process.

The event included a communal dinner and a social hour, fostering networking and camaraderie among participants. The overall atmosphere was characterized by enthusiasm and intellectual exchange, creating a conducive environment for the development of professional relationships. This not only enhanced the networking among Berlin-based scientists attending the meeting but also elevated their national and international visibility. 

In summary, the Young Investigator Meeting successfully executed its program, providing a platform for the exchange of knowledge, professional development, and networking. The positive outcomes underscore the importance of such gatherings in promoting a vibrant and collaborative scientific community. In terms of the future, the Young Investigator Meeting serves as a shining example for upcoming events. The success of this gathering and the consistently positive feedback from participants suggest that supporting this event has paid off in full. It is expected that the scientific insights from this meeting, coupled with the connections made during the event, will form the foundation for future advances in the field of biomedical basic research."