The course at a glance

Dear colleagues and aspiring protein designers,

We are delighted to invite you to the first edition of the FEBS Advanced Practical Course on Generative AI for Protein Engineering, which will take place in Blankenberge, Belgium, on 19–24 April 2026.

This course is intended for researchers with experience in protein engineering who have begun exploring computational tools and now wish to move beyond the basics. The focus will be on solving concrete problems through hands-on assignments, supported by theoretical lectures introducing key concepts. Participants will join thematic half-day workshops, each centered on adapting state-of-the-art AI tools to important research challenges:

1. Introduction to Protein Design Principles
2. Protein–Protein Interactions
3. Self-Assembling Protein Materials and Molecular Machines
4. Membrane Protein Design
5. Small-Molecule Binders and Enzymes

Building on these workshops, participants will spend at least two full days working in small teams on a personalized protein design project. On the final day, each team will present their results. 

By the end of the course, participants will:

• Understand protein design pipelines, including challenges and bottlenecks.
• Gain proficiency with widely used AI and computational tools for protein design.
• Learn to run, adapt, and troubleshoot pipelines for practical applications.
• Access community-developed teaching resources to continue learning independently.

The program emphasizes active interaction and collaboration, with group assignments, discussions, and opportunities for poster and oral presentations by participants.

We look forward to welcoming you in April 2026!

Ajasja Ljubetič, Alena Khmelinskaia, Anastassia Vorobieva, Noelia Ferruz
Course Organizers

Sponsors