Plenary Lectures
Plenary speakers addressed the full conference audience, presenting cutting-edge research across the breadth of the carbohydrate sciences. The sessions spanned all four days of the programme.
How carbohydrate-active enzymes work
Plenary lecture
An in-depth exploration of the catalytic mechanisms and structural biology underpinning carbohydrate-active enzymes, a cornerstone topic for the field.
Microbial glycoconjugates: structure and function
Plenary lecture
Examined the diverse roles of bacterial and microbial glycoconjugates, highlighting their structural complexity and functional significance in host–pathogen interactions.
Evidences for antigen-antibody molecular recognition in an antibody-drug conjugate system against P. aeruginosa
Plenary lecture — OL1.4.1
Presented by Stefano Elli et al. on Monday, July 1, 2019, from 11:45 to 12:00. Investigated molecular recognition events critical to antibody-drug conjugate design targeting Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Exploring bacterial lectin recognition events of synthetic mucin glycopeptide ligands
Plenary lecture — OL10.2.4
Presented by Ulrika Westerlind on Thursday, July 4, 2019, from 18:00 to 18:15. Focused on how synthetic mucin glycopeptides interact with bacterial lectins at the molecular level.
Related Programme
The plenary sessions were complemented by an extensive programme of keynote lectures, the 1st EuroCarb Young Researcher (ECYR) Workshop, the CarboMet Workshop, and a mini-symposium on Glycobiology at the LUMC and beyond.
Full abstracts and scheduling details were made available to registered attendees during the conference.
The plenary speakers at EUROCARB 2019 represented the diverse and cutting-edge nature of carbohydrate science. Drawn from leading institutions across Europe and beyond, these distinguished researchers delivered lectures that spanned chemical synthesis, structural biology, and biomedical applications of carbohydrates. Their presentations highlighted the remarkable creativity and depth within the field, from fundamental advances in glycoscience to translational work with real-world impact. The plenary sessions served as the intellectual backbone of the symposium, drawing large audiences and sparking lively discussions that continued into the poster sessions and coffee breaks throughout the congress week.
Complementing the plenary programme were several focused sessions that enriched the overall conference experience. The 1st EuroCarb Young Researcher Workshop provided emerging scientists with a dedicated platform to present their work and connect with established leaders in carbohydrate chemistry. Meanwhile, the CarboMet Workshop and the mini-symposium on Glycobiology offered attendees deeper dives into specialised areas of the field. These parallel events exemplified the organisers' commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive meeting that addressed the full spectrum of contemporary carbohydrate research.
The choice of Leiden as the venue for EUROCARB 2019 contributed significantly to the symposium's vibrant atmosphere. Participants found themselves in a historic university city with a rich scientific tradition, providing an inspiring backdrop for intellectual exchange. The conference venue itself was well-suited to the programme, with ample space for lectures, poster presentations, and informal networking. Attendees particularly appreciated the relaxed yet focused tone of the meeting, which encouraged genuine collaboration across career stages and research disciplines, making the congress a memorable milestone in the European carbohydrate community.