The MuSkITYRs broke new ground at their sixth symposium by gathering outside of Germany for the very first time. Vienna welcomed everyone with open arms, enchanting participants with its unique charm and providing the perfect setting for inspiring discussions and personal exchange. As the local host and organizer, science communicator Conny Schneider from LBI Trauma played a central role in making this event a success.
Strong Cluster Presence
With 50 participants and 22 presentations, the symposium offered a broad overview of current research on cartilage, tendons, and bone—from basic science to clinical applications. The Cluster was strongly represented throughout: Conny Schneider from LBI Trauma, a MuSkITYRs board member since 2020 and Vice-Speaker (Deputy Leadership) since 2023, was instrumental in the event’s success as local host and organizer. The Cluster’s scientific excellence was on full display as well: Stefan Nehrer from the University for Continuing Education Krems delivered a keynote lecture on the potential of artificial intelligence in musculoskeletal imaging, while Sonja Jaeger from the LBI Osteology shared insights into bone quality and its parameters.
Promoting the Next Generation
It was especially gratifying to see the recognition of the Cluster’s early-career researchers. Best Presentation Awards went to Rosa Maria Nothnagel (University for Continuing Education Krems) for her talk, “Customizable Implants for Osteoarthritis: Biotribological Evaluation of 3D-Printed and Conventional Metal and Non-Metal Options,” and to Victoria Sarne (MedUni Vienna) for “KIF5B – the Culprit in an Unclassified Skeletal Dysplasia?” The Best Question Award on the second day was presented to Karyna Tarasova from VetMedUni Vienna.
The Cluster was also actively involved in chairing the sessions. Regina Brunauer, Patrick Heimel, and Dominik Hanetseder—all from LBI Trauma—steered the program to ensure everything ran smoothly.
Looking Ahead
The MuSkITYR Society (MusculoSkeletal Interdisciplinary Translational Young Researchers) is a growing network of early-career scientists, placing interdisciplinarity and translation at the heart of musculoskeletal research. Membership is free—an invitation for anyone interested to get connected and benefit from this community. In the meantime, we are already looking forward to the next meeting: the seventh MuSkITYR Symposium will take place November 3–4, 2025, in Dresden. For more information, visit muskityrs.com.
