Biophysical Society Thematic Meeting | Tutzing 2026

Single-Molecule FRET: The Next 30 Years

Welcome Letter

September 2026

Dear Colleagues,

We would like to welcome you to the Biophysical Society Thematic Meeting entitled, Singe Molecule FRET: The Next 30 Years . In 1996, the first singe-molecule Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (smFRET) experiments were published, demonstrating that the possibility of measuring FRET efficiencies on individual molecules and opening a new direction for the biophysical sciences. With smFRET studies, heterogeneities can be observed directly and dynamics can be measured without synchronization. Since FRET is sensitive to distances, it is now possible to perform structural studies on dynamic systems and map the conformational landscape and functional heterogeneities of biomolecules under ambient conditions. In honor of this historic occasion, this conference will act as a forum to discuss the current advances and challenges for FRET experiments and theory. We hope to initiate visions for the future of smFRET studies and trigger further community activities. Overall, this conference features 73 posters, 54 lectures, and brings together over 145 scientists from a wide range of backgrounds and expertise. We hope that this meeting will not only provide a place to share your recent findings, but also to help promote new collaborations, helpful discussions, and future connections. We are also grateful to our generous sponsors, who have enabled us to honor exceptional contributions with a PicoQuant Early Career Award and Biophysical Journal Poster Awards. We invite you all to actively take part in the discussions following each talk, interact during the poster sessions, and exchanges thoughts and ideas in a relaxed environment during the coffee breaks and meals. We also hope that you will also enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Lake Starnberg and the town of Tutzing!

The Organizing Committee Victoria Birkedal

Don C. Lamb Claus Seidel