Members of the new research network, from left to right: Raz Somech (Tel Aviv), Josef Penninger (Vienna), Kanya Suphapeetiporn (Bangkok), Scott Snapper (Boston), Christoph Klein (Hauner Children's Hospital, Munich), Ekrem Ünal (Kayseri), Alexio Muise (Toronto) and Roya Sherkat (Isfahan)

In his key note lecture, Josef Penninger from the Institute of Molecular Biotechnology in Vienna (IMBA), spoke about the discovery of genetic nexus in the immune system. The exchange of experiences in the diagnosis and treatment of young patients all over the world who suffer from various infections and immune disorders was at the heart of the opening event. There was a steady focus on the goal of developing new concepts and treatments for every single child.

The second day of the meeting included a workshop on chronic inflammatory bowel diseases in early childhood. In addition to Daniel Kotlarz MD from (Hauner Children's Hospital), several working groups around Scott Snapper from Boston Children's Hospital, Aleixo Muise from the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto and Josef Penninger from the IMBA presented their research fields. Daniel Sprockett from Stanford University, Rob Vries from Hubrecht Institute, Judy Cho from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and Holm Uhlig of the University of Oxford discussed their latest findings in another session. The subsequent debate evolved around the possibilites for further research and closer cooperation.

The existing training structures at the Hauner Children's Hospital were expanded by the meeting. Raz Somech from the Sheba Medical Academic Center/Tel Aviv led a workshop entitled "Becoming a clinician scientist" within the frame of the Else Kröner Fresenius Clinical Research School Munich. The Research School, located at Hauner Children’s, offers young medical doctors insights into basic science research. In the workshop, the current challenges of combining the two paths in one career were discussed with the active participation of the DAAD fellows and other young scientists. The decision in favor of a career that is based in both areas entails challenges and conflicts but also the chance of discovering holistic cures for patients with rare diseases which can be brought about by connecting the basic scientific understanding of diseases with the clinical observation of the patient.

At the closing oft he event, the 50 participants had discussed many new aspects and found new partners, with whom they will hopefully get closer to fulfilling the mission of striving to provide cures for all patients with rare diseases. The meeting was inspired by the beautiful location of the conference venue on the island of Herrenchiemsee in the middle of Bavaria's largest lake which was complemented by a wonderful autumn weather. The meeting will be held every year during this DAAD thematic network, each year with a different thematical focus within the topic.