About the Event
17th Conference of the International Society for Tryptophan Research (ISTRY)
The International Society for Tryptophan Research (ISTRY), established in 1971, serves as a vibrant hub for scientists investigating the multifaceted roles of tryptophan and its metabolites. From its involvement in fundamental biological processes to its significance in human health and disease, tryptophan continues to be at the center of dynamic and interdisciplinary research.
In 2025, the ISTRY international congress returns to Padova—where the society’s first meeting was held over five decades ago—offering a symbolic and scientific homecoming. The city’s longstanding academic tradition provides an inspiring setting for the exchange of knowledge, innovation, and collaboration.
Tryptophan metabolism is increasingly recognized as a key regulator in diverse physiological and pathological contexts. It plays a crucial role not only in protein biosynthesis but also in neurochemical signaling, immune response modulation, tumor biology, aging processes, and metabolic health. The serotonin and kynurenine pathways, in particular, have drawn attention for their implications in psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, while gut-derived indoles are opening new windows into the gut-brain axis and microbiome-host interactions. Advances in computational modeling and systems biology are further enriching our capacity to explore these complex networks and identify novel intervention strategies. The ISTRY 2026 congress will bring together researchers from a wide array of disciplines—from neuroscience and oncology to nutrition, immunology, medicinal chemistry, and data science—to share cutting-edge findings and shape the future of tryptophan research. By fostering dialogue across these interconnected fields, the congress continues ISTRY’s mission to support the development of integrative, translational, and impactful science.
Executive committee:
- President: Stefano Comai (Italy),
- Vice-President: Ana Pocivavsek (USA)
- President-Elect: Sophie Erhardt (Sweden)
- Past President: Florian Zepf (Germany)
- Secretary & Treasurer: Edwin Lim (Germany)
- Executive member: Tsutomu Fukuwatari (Japan)
- Advisor: Trevor Stone (UK)