Research at the highest level

The 31st International Conference on Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems (ICMRBS), held from 23 to 27 August 2026 in Davos, gave Irene und Maria a fantastic opportunity to immerse themselves in the most recent cutting-edge developments in biomolecular nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The meeting has a special place in the series: it returned to Switzerland for the first time since 1974. It also brought young scientists and eminent figures of the field together in one place, in the congress centre that is best known as the venue of the World Economic Forum. Around 500 participants, more than 150 oral presentations, 60 lightning talks and 220 posters made for a dense scientific programme, all set in the alpine surroundings of Davos at 1560 m above sea level.

Our contributions
The Höbartner Lab were proudly represented with two posters. Maria was selected to present her work "Structural Insights into new Fluorogenic Chili–Ligand Complexes by NMR Spectroscopy" in a lightning talk to a large audience, in addition to her poster. Her travel was generously supported by a DAAD scholarship. Irene presented her poster "NMR studies of a new RNA alkylating ribozyme" and discussed it with many interested colleagues.

Beyond the science
The social programme was just as memorable. A highlight was the evening jam session of conference participants in the beer garden, built especially for this conference right outside the congress centre. The conference dinner took place at the Schatzalp hotel at 1860 m above sea level. Participants reached it by funicular and enjoyed the Art Nouveau architecture and a wonderful view over Davos.