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How do mechanical cues shape human brain organoids? By growing organoids in hydrogels with defined stiffness and mapping region-specific mechanics using AFM, this collaboration links external forces to internal tissue properties during early neurodevelopment.

How can molecular biology be made accessible to physicists, engineers, and materials scientists? In the EBM Harmonization Workshop, PD Dr. rer. nat. Katja Kobow introduced multi-omics, spatial brain complexity, and data integration—highlighting the power of interdisciplinary thinking.

On March 6, 2026, Speinshart’s Monastery Church hosted Das Gehirn – Musikalische Erkundungen, an immersive event blending neuroscience, organ music, and large-scale visualizations. Organized by EBM, it transformed science into a shared sensory experience of art, sound, and space.

In March 2026, Markus Lorke visited the Seidlits Lab at the University of Texas at Austin for a research secondment focused on neural stem cell culture and differentiation, hydrogel-based 3D systems, and fluorescence recovery experiments. Murine neural stem cells were encapsulated in hydrogels to assess viability and material response, supporting collaboration between EBM and UT Austin.

In March 2026, Oskar Neumann returned to the University of Cape Town to establish a nanoindentation-based pipeline for mechanotyping brain organoids. The successful setup enables detailed mechanical mapping and strengthens collaboration within EBM.

On March 26, 2026, EBM early-career researchers met at MPZPM Erlangen for a seminar featuring A02 and A05. The session highlighted new insights into brain malformations, spanning molecular ECM analyses to the mechanical influences shaping brain development and pathology.

Join EBM for a unique journey into the human brain at Speinshart Monastery Church. Organ music accompanies short scientific talks, while stunning projections from FAU’s media studios (ITM) bring brain structure and activity vividly to life. Discover how science, music, and art converge in a multisensory evening you won’t forget!

From February 10–11, 2026, the EBM community gathered in Waischenfeld for the 4th annual retreat. Two days of scientific exchange, team-building, and networking fostered collaboration, showcased cutting-edge brain mechanics research, and inspired fresh ideas for future projects.

On Jan 23, 2026, EBM members enjoyed a lively “Storytelling & Science” workshop with Renaud Pourpre from Oxford. Attendees explored narrative tools like Vonnegut’s story shapes and Chekhov’s Gun, creating engaging scientific stories—followed by the festive New Year’s celebration!

On Jan 23, 2026, EBM doctoral researchers explored neurobiology & biomechanics. Konstantin Hein presented Lamin B1’s role in tissue mechanics, while Jan Hinrichsen showed in silico models predicting cortical malformations, sparking lively discussion and new insights.