An unforgettable journey to Prion 2025: science, sun, and samba in Búzios
Thrilled to share our recent adventures at the Prion 2025 conference in beautiful Búzios, Brazil. There was plenty of cutting-edge research, inspiring discussions, and wonderfully warm hospitality. We returned energised, with fresh ideas and new collaborations brewing.
Hugging a cactus, for reasons that are deeply symbolic
Prion 2025 brought together leading minds from around the globe to tackle everything from early biomarkers to innovative therapies.
Spotlight on Tom Trainer
Our lab was right in the thick of it, contributing to the vibrant exchange of ideas. One of the absolute highlights was our very own PhD student, Tom Trainer, delivering an electrifying talk on his thesis work. Tom's research dives deep into cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) of prions in neurons, offering stunning visualisations at the nanoscale of how these rogue proteins aggregate. Tom handled the spotlight like a pro, fielding questions from seasoned experts with poise and insight. This talk not only showcased his hard work but also positioned our lab as a key player in bridging structural biology with prion pathology. Way to go, Tom!
The magic of Brazilian hospitality
Beyond the science, what truly made Prion 2025 memorable was the warmth of our Brazilian hosts. From the moment we landed, the organisers went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. Pristine Búzios beaches, evening receptions with lively music, delicious caipirinhas, and generous spreads of local food… it was more than a conference, it was a cultural immersion that turned jetlag into pure joy.
Cherished moments with friends
Spending time with Samrat, Glenn, Sandra, Mariana, Emiliano, Adriano, Nina, Kausik, Tiago, Tuane, Jerson, Debora, Roberto, and many others, who were equally engaging both on and off stage, as well as friends from the Prion Unit, was an absolute delight. We shared stories of lab life, laughed about academic quirks, and sparked ideas for future collaborations.
It was a privilege to connect on both professional and personal levels
On the way to the conference, I also had the chance to catch up with my dear friends Mayra and Guilherme in Rio. It was especially lovely to celebrate Mayra’s promotion to professorship and to see them both doing so well.
Inspired and ready for more
As we unpack our conference swag and return to experiments, Prion 2025 leaves us truly inspired. Events like this remind us why we do what we do: pushing the boundaries of knowledge while building a global community. Huge thanks to the organisers, speakers, and attendees alike. Until next time (in Verona), keep questioning, keep exploring.
