Biomarkers: What is currently happening in this field of research?
On September 17 and 18, the NMI, in collaboration with the GBM Bioanalytics Study Group and SIGNATOPE, is hosting a “Translational Protein Biomarker Workshop.”
Innovation, Quality and Translation
The event brings together experts from academic research, the pharmaceutical industry, and clinical practice and offers a platform for discussing current developments, emerging technologies, and future perspectives in protein biomarker research.
The workshop focuses on modern analytical strategies that enable reliable identification and quantification of biomarkers and support the translation of discoveries from biomedical research into clinical applications.
Protein Biomarkers as a Key Technology for Precision Medicine
Protein biomarkers are an essential tool in modern biomedical research and diagnostics. They contribute to the early detection of diseases, enable more precise patient stratification, and support informed therapeutic decision-making. In addition, they play an important role in monitoring treatment response and evaluating the safety of new therapeutic agents.
To unlock their full potential in clinical practice, protein biomarkers require highly precise, reproducible, and regulatory-compliant analytical methods. This workshop addresses precisely this intersection between technology development, biomarker research, and clinical translation.
NMI as a Center for Biomarker and Proteomics Research
The NMI is an established research institute in the fields of bioanalytics, proteomics, and translational biomarker research.
With its strong focus on assay development, ultrasensitive protein analytics, and technology transfer, the institute contributes significantly to the advancement of modern biomarker strategies. Interdisciplinary research teams, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and long-standing collaborations with academic and industrial partners create ideal conditions for translating innovative analytical technologies into medical applications.
Advanced Biomarker Analytics: Immunoassays and Mass Spectrometry
A key focus of the workshop is the integration of complementary technologies for protein quantification.
The NMI spin-off SIGNATOPE develops multiplex immunoassay platforms that enable highly sensitive and parallel analysis of numerous protein markers. These technologies open new opportunities for the systematic investigation of complex biomarker signatures and support applications ranging from basic research to clinical translation.
Complementary mass spectrometry-based proteomics approaches will also be presented. In this field, Christoph Borchers is internationally recognized for his work in targeted mass spectrometry for quantitative protein biomarker analysis. His research demonstrates how mass spectrometry enables robust and highly specific protein quantification, bridging the gap between proteomic discovery and clinical implementation.
Workshop Topics
The Protein Biomarker Workshop addresses key challenges in modern biomarker analytics. Topics include ultrasensitive immunoassays and novel detection technologies, multiplex affinity platforms, as well as recent advances in proteomics and mass spectrometry-based biomarker quantification.
In addition, the workshop will discuss regulatory requirements for biomarker analysis and strategies for the successful translation of biomarkers into clinical studies.
Application examples range from drug-induced organ injury and therapy monitoring to concepts of personalized medicine.
International Expert Speakers
The workshop will bring leading international scientists to Reutlingen who will share perspectives from research, industry, and clinical practice. Invited speakers include:
- Dr. Christoph Borchers (Jewish General Hospital, Montreal)
- Warren Glaab (Merck Sharp & Dohme, USA)
- Prof. Dr. Chris Goldring (University of Liverpool)
- Dr. med. Klemens Ruprecht (Universität Heidelberg)
- Dr. Ulrich Kunz (Boehringer Ingelheim)
- Dr. Dr. med. Susanne Roth (Universitätsklinikum Tübingen)
- Prof. Dr. Jochen Schwenk (KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm)
- Dr. Marcus Bantscheff (Roche, Basel)
Venue: NMI Reutlingen
The Protein Biomarker Workshop will take place at the NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute in Reutlingen, Germany. As an interdisciplinary research institute at the interface of fundamental research, applied bioanalytics, and clinical translation, the NMI provides an inspiring environment for scientific exchange and collaboration.
State-of-the-art research infrastructure, extensive expertise in biomarker analytics, and strong partnerships with academic and industrial stakeholders create ideal conditions for discussions on the future of protein biomarker research.
The workshop is organized by the GBM Bioanalytics Study Group under the leadership of Sven Heiles and Oliver Pötz, in close collaboration with Markus Templin and Jens Göpfert from NMI.
Connecting the Biomarker Community
With this workshop, the NMI, the GBM Bioanalytics Study Group, and SIGNATOPE aim to strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration in biomarker research.
The goal is to foster exchange between technology development, biomedical research, and clinical application, thereby accelerating the development of reliable protein biomarkers as a foundation for more precise diagnostics, safer drug development, and personalized medicine.
