After a welcome and a short introduction round, the PhD students presented their posters and discussed their research work, the results achieved, problems, possible solutions and prospects.
A highlight of the retreat was the presentation by PD Dr. rer. nat. & med. habil. Cornelius Heß, forensic toxicologist, MVZ Laboratory Mönchengladbach. His lecture “Insulin - the perfect murder” dealt with drugs that can be misused with lethal intent. So it was not just about insulin as the perfect murder tool. His explanations on substances that are difficult or impossible to detect were particularly fascinating.
After a coffee break and visit to Altenberg Cathedral, the PhD students presented the methods of their working groups.
At the end of the first day, the PhD students met at the Hotel Wisskirchen and spent a wonderful evening in beautiful summer weather.
The second day started with the role play: “Zolgensma® - The Cure Dilemma”. Divided into four groups (pharmaceutical industry, health insurance companies, patients and patient representatives and discussion leaders), the PhD students discussed gene therapy with Zolgensma®. Zolgensma® is used to treat spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and is currently the most expensive drug in the world. In preparation for the discussion, the groups were given the relevant literature. The aim of the role play was to make the drug available to all affected patients at a reasonable price.
Another highlight was the presentation by Prof. Eva Bartok, Institute for Experimental Haematology & Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Bonn. She gave exciting insights into the topic of good manufacturing practice and good laboratory practice. She is responsible for the new “ Reinraum” at the University Hospital Bonn and gave first-hand information.
All PhD students enjoyed the retreat very much. They found the two-day meeting exciting, informative and entertaining. Getting to know each other in a different environment promotes team spirit and improves scientific collaboration.
