Next-generation physiology: highlights of the 15th symposium of young physiologists

ABSTRACT

The annual symposia of the German Young Physiologists are defined by a ‘No PI’ philosophy, being organized and attended by early-career researchers in physiology, from undergraduates to post-docs. A defining characteristic of this setup is a pressure-free environment with open scientific discourse during the events. The 15th Symposium of Young Physiologists took place in Berlin, Germany, on April 8-10, 2026, and marked a significant transformation from a predominantly German-speaking national gathering to an international platform, attracting participants from 19 countries across all early career stages. Under the motto ‘Homeostasis is overrated. Let's push the limits’, the symposium featured oral sessions, poster presentations, and keynote lectures covering diverse physiological topics. The meeting demonstrated strong demand for dedicated platforms supporting young physiologists and international early-career scientific exchange in physiology.