The two-day event featured a keynote lecture, interactive sessions, and presentations spanning diverse topics—from mechanisms of atherosclerosis to cutting-edge omics approaches in cardiovascular research. Graduate students presented innovative projects on immunothrombosis, neuro-vascular interfaces, and the influence of non-coding RNAs on heart disease. Keynote speaker Prof. Dr. Holger Winkels from Cologne University provided insights into the role of macrophage activation via olfactory receptor 2 in myocardial infarction.

A significant highlight of the retreat was the election of new student representatives: LMU Hospital PhD students Aishvaryaa Prabhu from the Steffens Lab at the IPEK, Robin Dewender from the Massberg Lab, and Federica Tosato from the Dichgans Lab at the ISD. They will act to strengthen student involvement in CRC 1123 activities, enhancing collaborative research and educational experiences.