WHO: Late stage PhD students and Postdocs who are in academia or industry. Attendance is limited and registration will be on a first come first served basis.
WHAT: This is a one day workshop that will focus on the current state of commercial glycans used to support precision work. We will overview the classes, uses and manufacture of currently available glycan standards for qualitative and quantitative glycoanalysis work. Finally, we will summarise our thoughts on how glycochemists could enhance the repertoire of commercially-available glycan standards in order to aid development and manufacturing in the biopharmaceutical and precision medicine bioindustry sectors where the exploitation of carbohydrates will have huge impact. We will use interactive exercises which will include the introduction and use of the ‘business model canvas’. The workshop will be led by industry partners in CarboMet; Jenifer Hendel (Senior Scientist at Ludger Ltd.) and Daniel Spencer (a member of the CarboMet organisational committee and Head of Development at Ludger Ltd.).
WHY: To develop a clearer understanding of how glycans standards are used and the existing challenges associated with their production. To explore the market gaps in supply and barriers in the field. Scientists should leave with information that could be used in grant applications and/or ideas for how their research paths in both industry and academia can help to bolster carbohydrate metrology.
WHERE: Leiden, NL. Exact location to be sent at a later date.
WHEN: 9:00 – 16:00 on Friday July 5th 2019, right after EuroCarb2019
For more information or to register for the workshop, please visit: https://ludger.com/workshops/carbomet-july-2019/
The CARBOMED workshop at EUROCARB 2019 brought together researchers dedicated to understanding the role of carbohydrates in medical applications. This specialized session highlighted how complex sugars and glycoconjugates influence disease processes, from inflammation to infection. Attendees explored cutting-edge approaches that bridge carbohydrate chemistry with clinical research, examining how glycans on cell surfaces can serve as targets for new therapeutic strategies. The workshop provided a focused environment where chemists, biologists, and medical researchers could share insights and forge collaborations aimed at translating fundamental carbohydrate science into practical medical solutions.
Carbohydrates are far more than simple energy sources; they are sophisticated molecules that mediate critical biological interactions within the human body. The CARBOMED workshop delved into the intricate ways that sugar chains decorate proteins and lipids, influencing cell communication, immune recognition, and pathogen invasion. Participants discussed how changes in glycosylation patterns are linked to diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders. Understanding these molecular signatures opens new avenues for developing diagnostic tools and targeted therapies that leverage the unique information encoded in carbohydrate structures.
One of the central themes of the CARBOMED workshop was the design of carbohydrate-based vaccines and therapeutics. Researchers presented innovative strategies for synthesizing complex oligosaccharides and glycoconjugates that mimic natural antigens found on pathogens or cancer cells. These synthetic glycans can be used to elicit precise immune responses, offering a pathway toward more effective vaccines with fewer side effects. The workshop also explored carbohydrate-binding proteins known as lectins, which play key roles in cellular recognition and can be harnessed for drug delivery or as anti-adhesion agents against bacterial infections.
The interdisciplinary nature of the CARBOMED workshop reflected the broader spirit of the EUROCARB symposium, where chemists, biologists, and clinicians exchange ideas across traditional boundaries. Participants shared recent advances in analytical techniques such as mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, which enable detailed characterization of carbohydrate structures from biological samples. These methods are essential for understanding the complex glycomes of different tissues and for identifying disease-specific glycan markers. The collaborative atmosphere encouraged lively discussions about technical challenges and future directions for the field.
Beyond the scientific sessions, the CARBOMED workshop fostered a vibrant community of early-career and established researchers passionate about glycoscience. Networking opportunities during breaks and poster sessions allowed participants to discuss their work in depth and explore potential partnerships. The workshop highlighted the importance of training the next generation of carbohydrate researchers, with many young scientists presenting their latest findings. This exchange of knowledge and experience helped strengthen the global network of scientists working to unlock the medical potential of carbohydrates, ensuring continued progress in this dynamic and rapidly evolving field.
