Insights into the molecular mechanisms of Intrinsically Disordered Proteins and their role in diseases: concepts, tools, and applications

The 1st IDPfun2 training school will focus on the study of IDPs/IDRs and their roles in phase separation and aggregation, with particular emphasis on computational approaches for their characterization. The course will also address the interpretation of genetic and disease-associated mutations in disordered regions, highlighting how sequence variations can influence protein behavior, regulation, and pathological outcomes. Relevant prediction methods, databases, and practical computational tools will be introduced and discussed.

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Preliminary Program

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Application

Due to the limited number of participants (maximum 25), applicants are requested to submit:

• A CV outlining academic background and research experience.
• A motivation letter of up to 100 words, explaining their interest in IDPs and conformational ensembles, and how attending the training school will support their research plans

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Submit your Application

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Key dates

Application: opens February 13, 2026 – closes March 2, 2026.

Registration: opens March 17, 2026 – closes March 27, 2026

Target audience

This training school is aimed at pre-doctoral fellows, PhD students, and early-career postdocs, who wish to gain a comprehensive introduction to IDPs, their conformational ensembles, and functions, particularly those planning to focus on IDPs in future research projects. No prior expertise is required. 

Maximum number of participants: 25 

Selection criteria

• Clear motivation and strong alignment between the applicant’s academic background and the training scope, with demonstrated potential impact on their future work.
• Gender balance as part of a broader commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Geographical diversity with particular attention to widening countries and underrepresented regions, to enhance knowledge transfer and capacity building.

Trainers 

Maria Cristina Aspromonte, University of Padova 

Miguel Andrade, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz 

Juan Cortes, Centre national de la recherche scientifique

Lucia Chemes, Universidad Nacional de San Martín

Salvador Ventura, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

Emanuela Leonardi, University of Padova

Eric Schumbera, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz

Juan Mc Donagh, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes

Oriol Barcenas, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

Alvaro Navarro, Fundación Instituto Leloir