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The final dinner of the HOROS (Host Response in Opportunistic Infections) PhD Programme of Excellence marked the culmination of an outstanding academic journey. Established in 2014, the programme has played a crucial role in advancing research on host responses to opportunistic infections, fostering innovation and collaboration in the field. Over the course of the last decade, more than 40 doctoral students have been supported by the programme, who have gone on to make significant contributions in academia, research institutions, and healthcare settings worldwide. The programme's interdisciplinary approach, fostering collaboration between immunologists, microbiologists, and clinicians, has led to valuable insights into the mechanisms of opportunistic infections and their impact on public health.

Patricia has successfully defended her PhD thesis on the metabolic remodeling of Aspergillus fumigatus during iron starvation, addressing critical challenges in fighting invasive fungal infections.

Her research explored how A. fumigatus adapts to iron limitation during infection, focusing on key transcription factors (HapX and SrbA) and siderophore-mediated iron acquisition. Using genetic and biochemical approaches, Patricia identified novel iron-regulated pathways that may serve as potential virulence determinants. A major highlight of her work was investigating the link between acetyl-CoA metabolism and siderophore biosynthesis, uncovering new insights into fungal iron homeostasis.

Patricia’s findings advance our understanding of A. fumigatus and open new avenues for improving antifungal therapies. Congratulations, Patricia, on this remarkable achievement!

We are thrilled to announce that Mariam has successfully completed her PhD! Her research focused on the complement system, particularly the C7 component, which is vital for forming the membrane attack complex (MAC). While C7's role in MAC assembly is well understood, Mariam explored its lesser-known functions.

Her key findings include: (1) C7's synthesis outside the liver, enabling localized regulation and tissue-specific roles; (2) its links to various diseases, emphasizing the need to study its non-canonical functions; (3) the development of monoclonal antibodies and a highly specific ELISA to measure C7; and (4) the discovery of a C7-clusterin (CLU) complex, suggesting multifunctional roles for C7 beyond MAC assembly.

Mariam's innovative work has deepened our understanding of C7 and created tools for future research. We are incredibly proud of her achievements and wish her great success in her career!

During the visit, students were divided into small groups and introduced to Sandoz's overarching mission and vision, as well as the step-by-step development process of a generic drug. A highlight of the day was the guided tour of an analytical lab within the pharmaceutical development department, where students had the chance to ask questions about career opportunities and life in the pharmaceutical industry post-PhD. A lunch pack provided by Sandoz offered much-appreciated energy for the group.

The day was filled with valuable insights into the industrial sector as a potential alternative to academia and highlighted the importance of viewing science from a broader perspective.

It is done. The last retreat funded by the PhD programmes of excellence HOROS and CORVOS in Obergurgl ended on the 16^th of January.  After 6 days of inspiring talks, exciting discussions and extensive networking we are all back home with loaded minds and tired legs. Through sessions covering a vast variety of topics such as fungal and bacterial infections, antimicrobial resistance, complement and its indications in the clinic, anaphylatoxins and virology we heard speakers from an equally colourful diversity of laboratories from Austria, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Hungary, France and Italy. On top of that, we also got the opportunity to dive into some of the working schemes of the industry with refreshing talks from Marco Grasse (Sandoz), Loek Willems and Erik Toonen (Hycult) and Mikkel-Ole Skjødt (Novo Nordisk). On Saturday evening, a thrilling round of “catch on the ice” rounded up the whole experience.

Even though being the last meeting of this kind, the Obergurgl retreat with its mix of scientific and social interaction, surely paved the way once more for numerous fruitful collaborations. Special thanks goes to Prof. Dr. Reinhard Würzner for making this possible and bringing us together since nine years.

Group picture

9 years of retreats

Ice skating