We held the first IDP2Biomed Training School in Cambridge. It featured excellent scientific discussions on drug design targeting disordered proteins and on possible approaches to addressing the challenge of structural heterogeneity. The main focus of the training was to gain a deeper understanding of the abnormal cellular processes involved in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases (such as ALS and Parkinson’s disease), with particular emphasis on the mechanisms of phase separation and aggregation, drug design targeting these processes, and the development of related computational and experimental methods.

The 2nd IDP2Biomed Training School was successfully organized in Budapest between May 4–8, 2026. The event brought together researchers, trainers, and participants from University of Padova, University of Cambridge and the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases for an intensive week of scientific exchange, education, and collaboration in the field of biomedical research.

The Training School aimed to provide participants with hands-on training on tools and resources available to characterize the functional properties of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) and to combine this knowledge with genotypic and phenotypic data. The program enabled participants to explore how IDPs are mutated in various diseases and how their functional properties are linked to cellular phenotypes. The event was designed for both experimental and computational researchers working in the field.

Modules

The scientific program was structured into four main modules:

• Module 1: Overview of basic IDP databases (DisProt, MobiDB, DisCanVis, PhasePro) and data management principles.
• Module 2: Tools for IDP research and artificial intelligence, including DOME recommendations and prediction of IDP functional properties.
• Module 3: Resources for disease, genotype, and phenotype data.
• Module 4: Application of workflows for variant analysis of IDPs.

The Training School featured lectures, workshops, and interactive sessions delivered by internationally recognized experts from leading universities and research institutes.

Trainers

• Markus Zweckstetter, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE)
• Michele Vendruscolo, University of Cambridge
• Peter Tompa, Hungarian Oncology Institute, Budapest
• Maria Cristina Aspromonte, University of Padova
• Emanuela Leonardi, University of Padova
• Gavin Farrell, University of Padova
• Zsuzsanna Dosztányi, Eötvös Loránd University
• Gábor Erdős, Eötvös Loránd University
• Norbert Deutsch, Eötvös Loránd University
• Eszter Nagy-Kanta, Eötvös Loránd University

We would like to thank all trainers, participants, and collaborators for contributing to the success of the event. Their expertise, enthusiasm, and active participation created an inspiring scientific atmosphere throughout the week.

The next IDP2Biomed Training School is planned to take place at the DZNE Institute in Göttingen, Germany, in March 2027. Further information will be available soon on our website.