More than 90 researchers met at Schluchsee in the Black Forest for the first CIBSS - Center for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies retreat on the 30^th of September and 1^st of October 2019. They discussed initial research results, challenges and ideas to deepen cooperation within the Cluster of Excellence. Together, they are working on a common problem: understanding mechanisms of molecular communication at all scales of an organisms, from micrometres to meters, from milliseconds to lifetimes

Scientists presented their projects funded by CIBSS since January 2019. A variety of research models and questions enabled an intensive exchange between experts from chemistry, immunology, medicine, plant physiology, physics and computer science. Poster sessions and discussions allowed also for young participants to get involved in building CIBSS and start new collaborations.

After a welcome speech by the CIBSS speaker team represented by Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Driever, researchers from the University of Freiburg and the Max Planck Institute of Immunology and Epigenetics presented work on the dynamics of complex proteins in cell organelles like mitochondria or the nucleus as well as in plants in a first session on CIBSS research area A. The session by the CIBSS-B members discussed new insights into mechanisms of metabolic and multicellular signalling. New technologies from synthetic biology and chemistry that promote discoveries in the field of signalling studies and their development toward application were highlighted in presentations by members of CIBSS-C. The proteomics technologies, mathematical modelling and new imaging techniques presented in the CIBSS-D session are being expanded as a support structure for all other labs involved in the cluster. Not only scientists participated in the meeting: ethicists and legal scholars presented their projects on aspects of signalling research that accompany CIBSS research inside a framework called ELSA.

Access to technologies and networking opportunities were at the core of the lively discussions sessions. Researchers talked about the need for exchange on available technologies in Freiburg as well as worldwide cooperation especially regarding single cell analysis technologies and statistical modelling. Vice-president of the University of Freiburg Prof. Dr. Gunter Neuhaus joined in the discussion to affirm the full support of the university rectorate in realising technological core facilities – that biostatistical resources were being built to cover for the growing need for analysing large datasets. With structures like the Signalling Factory, the GALAXY Platform and Imaging facilities at the University a good basis is set for strong technological development in Freiburg. The TRISIGNIA network, a cooperation of signalling research facilities in Freiburg, Basel and Strasbourg, opens up opportunities for CIBSS researchers on an international scale. Global networking was perceived as already being a strong point inside the CIBSS network. All groups agreed that cooperation on a local scale and to lay people outside academia should be strengthened. In a final speech Prof. Dr. Wilfried Weber, member of the speaker team of CIBSS, emphasized that the common goal of all projects and CIBSS staff is to “make CIBSS the place to be for integrative signalling biology – worldwide”.

More information on integrative signalling research: Biological signalling research examines the biological communication processes that are fundamental to life and health. It explores how cells sense and react to diverse conditions and cues, and how they communicate with one another to form and maintain a functioning organism – whether it be human, animal or plant. While knowledge about individual signalling processes has expanded greatly in recent years, it is still unclear how the plethora of signals are coordinated and how they are intertwined with other fundamental biological processes such as metabolism.