From July 4th to 7th, 2016, leading experts in Ubiquitin and Autophagy research from around the world were brought together at Goethe University’s Medical Campus for the first Frankfurt Conference on Ubiquitin and Autophagy, jointly organized by the Cluster of Excellence Macromolecular Complexes, the DKTK site Frankfurt/Mainz, the LOEWE program Ub-Net and SFB 1177.

Since the ubiquitin system and autophagy are essential for maintaining cellular integrity and homeostasis, and defects in the two quality control systems are involved in the pathogenesis of numerous diseases, the meeting put emphasis on gaining a more global view on cellular quality control mechanisms, their interconnectivities as well as on exploiting the potential for therapeutic interventions.

More than 300 scientists from 12 countries attended the meeting and almost 50 talks in five interdisciplinary sessions covered a broad range of topics from the discovery of basic molecular mechanisms to translation into clinical applications. Moreover, the contribution by early career researchers in vivid discussions and more than 110 poster presentations was overwhelming, as was the quality of the work presented.

Coffee breaks, welcome reception and a farewell barbecue at Goethe University’s Westend Campus with a view on the impressive Frankfurt skyline fostered the exchange and interaction amongst the participants giving rise to new ideas, collaborations and insights. The organizers would like to thank all speakers and participants for their active and valuable contribution to the meeting and look forward to the next Frankfurt Conference in 2018.