Outreach

Functional Amyloid Meeting @DESY: A Celebration of Functional Fibrils

The “who’s who” of the functional amyloid world gathered in Hamburg last week, as the Centre for Structural Systems Biology hosted the first-ever Functional Amyloid Meeting @DESY from September 24–26, 2025. For three vibrant days, the spotlight moved away from pathological amyloids and toward the latest advances in functional amyloid research. The program highlighted exciting discoveries spanning virulence factors, biofilms, silkmoth eggshells, antimicrobial peptides, viruses, fertilization, catalytic amyloids, applications in nanotechnology and biotechnology, as well as roles in human myelin and hormones. This unique event truly brought the global research community together, highlighting the diverse roles and structures of functional amyloids beyond neurogenerative diseases. Each session featured engaging talks from senior and junior researchers. The Landau group’s members, serving as session chairs, set a warm and inclusive tone, introducing speakers not only by their scientific achievements but also with personal anecdotes and even childhood photos, making the scientific exchange friendly and memorable.

Two interactive poster sessions – one with beer and pretzels, another with coffee and lunch – were standout moments for many attendees, especially those who eagerly participated in “Poster Bingo,” a playful nod to amyloid research themes. These sessions sparked new discussions and rounds of laughter, reinforcing the collaborative and open spirit of the meeting.

To crown the experience and showcase Hamburg’s beauty, the conference dinner was held at a restaurant overlooking the Binnenalster. As the sun set over the city skyline and Alster fountain, participants enjoyed both stunning views and animated discussion, further strengthening international ties.

“We are thrilled to have hosted such an inspiring, lively, approachable, and scientifically stimulating event,” said meeting initiator Meytal Landau. “Given the enthusiastic feedback, we are considering making the Functional Amyloid Meeting @ DESY a regular event.”

Functional Amyloid Meeting 24. – 26. September 2025

We invite researchers and scientists to participate in the Functional Amyloid Meeting @DESY held at CSSB in Hamburg. This event will focus on the latest developments in the field of functional amyloids, bringing together experts to discuss cutting-edge research, share insights and explore new directions in the study of amyloid fibrils and their functional roles. Join us for presentations, networking opportunities and collaborative discussions that will shape the future of this fascinating research area. Submit an abstract to get the chance to present your data with a poster or a short talk!

More information at: Functional Amyloid Meeting

Linking Hamburg infection research to industry

Infectious diseases continue to be one of the greatest challenges to global health, with far-reaching impacts on all areas of society. The workshop provided a platform for exchange among leading experts from the fields of life sciences, medicine and industry. On February 6th 2025 we were excited to enhance collaboration between academia and industry, with a workshop that brought together researchers and industry leaders. This event focused on innovative solutions for addressing infectious diseases, exploring practical applications of research findings in real-world settings. With the help of the Impuls- und Vernetzungsfonds der Helmholtz-Gemeinschaft, Life Science Nord and HI HEAL this workshop was a smashing success and we are already looking forward to a next joint endeavour.

Profile at UKE News

Meytal Landau has been featured in the UKE news with her story and how she got to Hamburg. Check it our here: https://www.uke.de/english/research/news/international-scientists/trailblazer-from-haifa.html

Wissen vom Fass

Meytal gave a talk about „Connecting the Dots: Bacterial Threats, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Particle Accelerators“ on May 2nd at 20:00 in the Landgang Brauerei, Beerenweg 12, 22761 Hamburg | Bahrenfeld as part of „Wissen vom Fass“ a joint endeavour in science communication from Universität Hamburg and DESY.
Find more details here

From creating new antimicrobials to combating Alzheimer’s disease
EMBL Communications; Oct 6, 2021

Research at Eye Level at the Israel Science Foundation (ISF) מחקר בגובה העיניים: (In Hebrew)
ממחלת אלצהיימר לפיתוח תרופות: חרב הפיפיות של הסיבים העמילואידיים

Welcome: Meytal Landau – New associate group leader at EMBL Hamburg – starting 2020

Meytal Landau: a visiting researcher in EMBL Hamburg starting 2020

Meytal is talking about her 2019-202 sabbatical at the CCSB in Hamburg, Germany!

Meytal is meeting with delegation from the Ministry for Science, Research and Equalities of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, Germany, September 5^TH, 2019.

Article on Meytal in ידיעות אחרונות Yedioth Ahronoth 05.03.2019 (article in Hebrew)

Meytal in the list of “Power Women” “רשימת הנשים המשפיעות” by Forbes Israel 2018 and Forbes Israel News (articles in Hebrew)

Ynet article on our lab: “Bacteria, proteins and synchrotrons” 09.06.18 (article in Hebrew)

Meytal at “Women @ Technion” 2018 (article in Hebrew)

Meytal was selected as one of the “People of the Year” of MAKOR RISHON 2018 (article in Hebrew)

Meytal is giving a talk as a part of the Social Hub Technion , Haifa, October 2018