On September 29, 2026, the NIFE-TiHo Symposium brought together researchers and clinicians for an afternoon of scientific exchange and interdisciplinary dialogue. The event provided a platform to present current research and identify potential avenues for future collaboration across disciplinary boundaries. Following the opening remarks by Prof. Dr. Willem-Frederik Wolkers, the scientific program consisted of four presentations covering basic research, innovative methodological approaches, and clinical applications. The event kicked off with a presentation by PD Dr. med. vet. Jessica Meißner (Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy) on the biological characterization of metallic implants, which covered processes ranging from infection to activation of the immune system. PD Dr. Sophie Kittler (Institute for Food Quality and Safety) presented research on the molecular and phenotypic profiling and adaptation of phages for veterinary medicine and highlighted approaches that could be relevant for future veterinary applications. Prof. Dr. Bettina Seeger (Institute for Food Quality and Safety; Institute for Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy), thereby highlighting the potential of innovative human-based models for biomedical research. The event concluded with a presentation by Prof. Dr. Bianca Hettlich (Small Animal Clinic – Surgery/Orthopedics), who highlighted clinical questions as the starting point for translational research, provided insights from small animal surgery, and emphasized the importance of close collaboration between clinical practice and research. In addition to the scientific presentations, the symposium provided an opportunity for conversation and exchange among the participating researchers. The discussions that arose during the event opened up various possibilities for future interdisciplinary collaborations that bring together the complementary expertise and research interests of the participating institutions. The NIFE-TiHo Symposium thus highlighted how important it is to bring together different scientific and clinical perspectives in order to advance translational research and develop new approaches to collaboration. The event concluded with a coffee break and discussion session, which provided additional opportunities for networking and further scientific exchange.
