The first Annual Meeting of the Priority Program SPP2451 brought together researchers in Engineered Living Materials (ELMs) at TU Hamburg for two days of lively exchange, interdisciplinary presentations, and collaborative planning. Project teams showcased their advances in adaptive biomaterials, living sensors, catalytic biofilms, and self-organizing microbial systems, highlighting the diversity and innovation within the community. A dedicated session on research data management emphasized the importance of standardized, FAIR data workflows to strengthen collaboration within the program.
A joint mini-symposium with the SPP2494 ‘Productive Biofilm Systems’ further broadened the scientific dialogue, demonstrating the growing momentum of ELM research in Germany.
A poster session and open discussions rounded off a meeting that set the stage for a productive and well-connected year ahead. Many of our members then headed to the DGM NextGen Materials Conference, where Engineered Living Materials had a designated session and our researchers presented their work through invited talks and posters to a broader audience.
Many thanks again to our hosts in Hamburg, Prof. Johannes Gescher and team.