Breakthroughs in ubiquitin biology highlighted at inaugural Australian Ubiquitin Summit
The inaugural Lorne Ubiquitin聽, held from 16-20 of November in Lorne, Victoria, brought together leading scientists, clinicians, and industry innovators to explore one of the most dynamic areas of modern biomedical research:聽 ubiquitin biology and targeted protein degradation (TPD).
The Summit showcased cutting-edge discoveries in ubiquitin signalling, essential cellular processes that regulate protein turnover and maintain cellular health.聽 Dysregulation of these pathways is linked to cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and autoimmune diseases. 聽As understanding deepens, new therapeutic strategies such as targeted protein degraders are emerging, promising to transform the future of medicine.
A dedicated TPD Day highlighted breakthroughs in this rapidly growing field, connecting academic leaders and industry innovators to share insights and shape the next generation of therapies.
The University of Adelaide and SAiGENCI were proud sponsors of the Australian Ubiquitin Summit which welcomed 150 delegates from 16 countries fostering collaborations and strengthening ties across the Asia-Pacific region.
The Summit program featured world-renowned researchers, including:
- Stefan Knapp (SGC Frankfurt, Germany)
- Eric Fischer (Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, USA)
- Mikihiko Naito (University of Tokyo, Japan)
- Ruey-Hwa Chen (Academia Sinica, Taiwan)
- Yi-Ching Wang (National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan)
- Fleur Ferguson (UC San Diego, USA)
Industry leaders also contributed, including Phil Chamberlain (Neomorph, USA), Kanae Gamo (FIMECS, Japan), and Gwenn Hansen (Nurix, USA).
SAiGENCI鈥檚 Contributions and Local Engagement
SAiGENCI researchers played a pivotal role in the Summit鈥檚 success.聽 Group leaders , , and served on the TPD organising committee, helping shape the scientific program and co-ordinating satellite events in Adelaide before and after the Summit.
In conjunction with UniSA's Centre for Cancer Biology, these satellite events included the Adelaide Ubiquitin Mini-Symposium and a special seminar by Fleur Ferguson in the Adelaide Cancer Seminar Series.
SAiGENCI early-career researchers and Mihaela Ficu delivered lightning talks during the TPD Day, while and Michael Roy showcased local expertise at the Adelaide Ubiquitin Mini-Symposium.
Towards the Next Summit
SAiGENCI researchers thank the Australian Ubiquitin Summit organising committees for delivering a stimulating and engaging program.聽 As the first event of its kind in Australia dedicated to ubiquitin and targeted protein degradation, the Summit has successfully linked global collaborations and strengthened Asia-Pacific networks.
SAiGENCI looks forward to contributing to future Summits and continuing to advance this exciting field of biomedical research.