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On February 20, 2025, the Danish Diabetes and Endocrine Academy presented an interdisciplinary symposium that brings together leading scientists in the fields of vascular biology, obesity research, and metabolic diseases. This meeting took place in Aarhus, Denmark. Prof. Dr. Kerstin Wilhelm-Jüngling from the University of Bonn was invited as a speaker and presented her latest research findings on the role of endothelial cells in thermogenic adipose tissue. In her talk, "Modification of FOXO1 levels in endothelial cells - a tool to study the role of endothelial cells in thermogenic adipose tissue," she introduced innovative insights into signaling pathways that influence energy metabolism and may pave the way for new therapeutic approaches to obesity and metabolic disorders.  Beyond her lecture, Prof. Wilhelm-Jüngling took the opportunity to network intensively with leading researchers from across Europe. Particularly exciting were discussions on new methodological approaches in endothelial research and their application to metabolic diseases. Exchanges with international colleagues such as Prof. Jörg Heeren (UKE Hamburg) and Prof. Kirsty Spalding (Karolinska Institutet) provided valuable inspiration for future research collaborations.  The Vascular-Adipose Link Meeting 2025 was organized by the Danish Diabetes and Endocrinology Academy (DDEA) and the Danish Cardiovascular Academy (DCA) and was held in the inspiring setting of the ARoS Art Museum in Aarhus. With high-profile presentations and dynamic discussions, the event made a significant contribution to advancing the understanding of the interplay between vascular and adipose tissue in health and disease. 

Prof. Kerstin Wilhelm-Jüngling, a distinguished member of the TRR333 (BATenergy) research consortium, has successfully completed the Female Leadership Training. The workshop, conducted by the renowned company hfp consulting (https://hfp-consulting.com), is part of a broader effort funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) to prepare and empower women in scientific leadership roles. The workshop was organized by the TRR333 (https://www.trr333.uni-bonn.de) and is part of TRR333’s broader agenda to promote diversity and foster inclusive leadership within the scientific community. Both days of the workshop were aimed at enhancing the leadership capabilities of female professionals in science and academia. Through hands-on training, participants develop critical management, communication, and team-building skills necessary to navigate and excel in their careers. Further, participants – including Prof. Wilhelm-Jüngling - were equipped with tools and strategies to thrive in leadership roles and contribute more effectively to their organizations. Prof. Wilhelm-Jüngling’s participation in this workshop underscores her commitment to both her academic field and to advancing the role of women in leadership positions. Her involvement not only contributes to the success of the TRR333 (BATenergy) project but also serves as a testament to the growing emphasis on cultivating female leadership in STEM fields.

We are delighted to announce that Prof. Kerstin Wilhelm-Jüngling has successfully entered the second phase of her Tenure-Track Professorship, marking a significant milestone in her academic career. This achievement reflects her outstanding commitment to research, teaching and scientific leadership. Prof. Wilhelm-Jüngling, known for her groundbreaking reseach in lymphatic and vascular biology, has made substantial contributions to the field. In her current research she exploits her expertise of angioscience and studies how the endothelium interacts with adipocytes in brown and white fat. Thus, she tackles diseases such as obesity, lipedema and lymphedema. We congratulate Prof. Wilhelm-Jüngling and look forward to her continued success. Copyright Foto: © Universität Bonn/Bernadett Yehdou

The BONNFOR-Scholarship is an internal research funding for highly motivated students of human and dental medicine.

Great honor for Prof. Kerstin Wilhelm-Jüngling. Her poster was awarded the top poster award at the recent GRC Lymphatics 2024 in Ventura, California. Her work “FOXO1 determines growth and maturation of lymphatic vessels” was selected by distinguished reviewers as having the potential to make an important contribution to the burgeoning field of lymphatics.  With this she was able to stand up to 120 other scientists who presented posters. Congratulations on this achievement. The award was kindly sponsored by the Lymphatic Education & Research Network (LE&RN).