Alphafold Workshop: EpiCrossBorders PhD Students Equipped with Cutting Edge Structural Biology Skills

On October 23, 2025, the EpiCrossBorders Graduate School hosted a one-day introductory workshop on protein complex structure prediction using AlphaFold-2 and AlphaFold-3 as part of its professional development program. The event took place at Helmholtz Munich was also offered in hybrid format for students joining from Edinburgh.

Led by Dr. Katja Luck from the Institute of Molecular Biology in Mainz, the workshop provided participants with a comprehensive overview of AI-based tools for protein structure prediction, focusing on practical applications of AlphaFold. Students explored the capabilities and limitations of these tools, learned how to design effective submissions, and gained insights into interpreting structural models with confidence.

The course combined theoretical foundations—including protein biochemistry and structural biology basics—with hands-on sessions. Participants practiced using AlphaFold platforms and the ChimeraX visualization software, applying scoring metrics and identifying potential artefacts in predicted models. A highlight was the opportunity for students to work on their own protein complexes, making the experience highly relevant and personalized.

Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive. Students praised the workshop for its clarity, practical relevance, and interactive approach, noting that it strengthened their ability to integrate computational predictions into experimental design. The session also sparked discussions on future applications of AI in epigenetics and molecular biology.

This workshop exemplifies the EpiCrossBorders Graduate School’s commitment to equipping young researchers with state-of-the-art tools and interdisciplinary skills. By bridging computational and experimental approaches, the program continues to prepare its students for leadership in biomedical research.