Biologically active natural products are of great importance for both basic research and for research and development in the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries. The annual symposium, established for over three decades, provides valuable insights into current developments and serves as a key event for interdisciplinary exchange of experience.
The Irsee Natural Product Symposium is organized by the DECHEMA Working Group "Small Molecule Natural Products with Biological Activity".
Special emphasis is placed on the promotion of young scientists. During the young researcher sessions and poster presentations, participants will have the opportunity to present their research as well as to network and establish important connections within the natural products community.
More information on topics, programme and Call for Posters will be availble by August 2026.
The programme of the Irsee Natural Product Symposium is organised by the members of the DECHEMA Working Group "Small Molecule Natural Products with Biological Activity":
| Heike Brötz-Oesterhelt | Eberhard-Karls-Universität Tübingen |
|---|---|
| Joachim Dickhaut | BASF SE, Ludwigshafen |
| Karl Gademann | Universität Zürich |
| Jens Glaeser | Evotec GmbH, Göttingen |
| Tobias Gulder | Universität des Saarlandes -Conference Chair- |
| Ingo Hartung | Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt |
| Till Opatz | Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz |
| Jörn Piel | ETH Zürich |
| Pierre Stallforth | Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology Jena -Chair of the DECHEMA Working Group- |
| Evi Stegmann | Eberhard-Karls-Universität Tübingen |
| Roderich Süssmuth | Technische Universität Berlin |
| Christine Beemelmanns | HIPS Saarbrücken -Representative of the common Working Group Chemische Biologie as well as the VAAM-Fachgruppe Biologie bakterieller Naturstoffproduzenten- |
Information on the DECHEMA Working Group:
Advances in pharmaceutical therapeutics and environmentally friendly plant protection are difficult to imagine without the development of active compounds based on natural products. Low-molecular-weight natural products exhibit structural diversity far beyond what can be achieved through chemical synthesis. However, only a small portion of this "pool" of natural substances has been explored for practical applications. A key objective of the division's work is to identify new research trends and provide policy-level recommendations for funding, as well as to initiate relevant research initiatives. Another important goal is to support young scientists, particularly by integrating them into the dialogue between academia and industry. In an interdisciplinary environment involving biologists, chemists, medical professionals, and pharmacists, the interaction between scientists from both industry and academia is promoted, fostering the creation of collaborative and cross-disciplinary projects.
The division's most prominent and publicly visible activity is the annual "Irseer Naturstofftage," held every February for over 30 years. During this event, the Doctoral and Young Scientist Awards for Natural Product Research are also presented.
For further information please visit Fachsektion Bioinformatik und molekulare Methoden
Image source: Kloster Irsee Schwäbisches Tagungs-, Bildungs - und Kulturzentrum Kloster Irsee
DECHEMA-Fokus-Themen:
