CRC 1052 "Obesity Mechanisms" Hosted Third International Symposium in Collaboration with HI-MAG
From September 2nd to 4th, 2024, the Collaborative Research Centre (CRC) 1052 "Obesity Mechanisms" held its third international symposium at Leipzig University’s Felix-Klein lecture hall. Matthias Blüher, spokesperson of CRC 1052 and director of HI-MAG, welcomed internationally renowned experts in the field of obesity research. Co-organized by the Helmholtz Institute for Metabolic, Obesity, and Vascular Research (HI-MAG), the event strengthened international collaborations and explored future research directions.
“The International Symposium of the CRC 1052 "Obesity Mechanisms" represented the pinnacle of 12 years of funding by the German Research Foundation (DFG). As an expression of the international visibility of our location, we were able to attract leading international scientists from all areas of obesity research to Leipzig. The symposium, which included both inspiring discussions and many unanswered questions, demonstrated that research into the causes, treatment and prevention of obesity is highly topical and that there is a great need in this field. Ultimately, the symposium showed that our joint research can contribute to better treatment options for people with obesity,” concludes Matthias Blüher the event.
The program featured presentations from leading experts in obesity and diabetes research. A highlight of the symposium was the keynote lecture delivered by Ronald Kahn from the Joslin Diabetes Center at Harvard Medical School. In total, 20 distinguished speakers shared their expertise on the complex mechanisms underlying obesity, sparking stimulating discussions among the participants.
Helmholtz Munich | ©Nora KlötingA poster session was held on the first day, providing a platform for young researchers to showcase their work. The poster contest recognized Inka Rapöhn, a PhD candidate in the Heiker Lab, who won first place for her research titled “Inhibition of Adipocyte Lipolysis by Vaspin Impairs Thermoregulation in vivo.” Second place went to Sontje Krupka from the Klöting Lab for her work on the “Effects of Dietary Uptake of Plasticiser DINCH in vivo.” Lisa Roth from the Krause Lab at Leipzig University was awarded third place. Congratulations to all!
Helmholtz Munich | ©Ewa Koperan (von links): Lisa Roth, Inka Rapöhn, Sontje Krupka
Collaborative Research Centres, such as CRC 1052, are long-term, university-based research initiatives funded by the DFG. CRC 1052 researchers work in interdisciplinary teams to explore new targets and mechanisms that can inform future therapeutic approaches for obesity. The research addresses fundamental questions such as:
What are the key mechanisms driving overeating in the development of obesity?
How does overeating lead to harmful fat deposition and adipose tissue inflammation?
Which fat-derived signals (adipokines) contribute to obesity-related diseases?
While the third and last funding phase of CRC 1052 will conclude in December 2024, the symposium served as a valuable platform to discuss ongoing research and new project ideas. Future collaborations are planned, particularly with HI-MAG and other key partners, including the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ), the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, and Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. These efforts aim to continue advancing research in obesity mechanisms and therapeutic strategies.