The retreat marked the final annual meeting of the first SFB funding period and brought together trainees and researchers from all participating groups. Participants presented their latest research progress and engaged in lively scientific discussions. A highlight of the meeting was the participation of our newest SFB members, Simone Köhler (EMBL Heidelberg) and Frédéric Berger (GMI), as well as our new collaboration partner, Sven Klumpe (IMP/IMBA), who introduced their research to the SFB community and discussed potential future collaborations. All the participants are already looking forward to the upcoming retreats in the second funding period.