Protein Folding and Dynamics Cluster 2026 is a Swedish Research Council–funded excellence initiative that focuses on quantitative methods to measure and predict protein folding and misfolding at single-molecule resolution. By combining cutting-edge biophysical technologies, imaging, molecular simulations, and AI, we aim to reveal the dynamic rules of folding — and translate this knowledge into new strategies to predict, prevent, and treat protein-misfolding diseases.
Protein misfolding underlies neurodegeneration, cancer, and genetic disorders, together affecting millions worldwide. Yet we still lack quantitative tools to detect when folding pathways begin to fail inside cells. Understanding structural failure at its origin is essential for prevention.
AI can predict final structures, but not the dynamic pathways that lead to them. Folding is a non-linear, force-driven process shaped by molecular interactions and cellular conditions. Capturing these dynamics in real time is a central scientific challenge.
Sweden hosts world-leading expertise in force spectroscopy, advanced imaging, molecular simulations, and AI. By coordinating these capabilities, we can build the first integrated platform to measure, model, and predict protein folding with single-molecule resolution.
Protein misfolding does not begin with diagnosis — it begins with subtle dynamical changes at the molecular level. By linking single-molecule measurements and simulations to proteomic networks and patient-derived data, we aim to ultimately identify early disease signatures of structural failure.
Protein function emerges from dynamic molecular processes that extend beyond static structures. This roadmap outlines how emerging experimental and computational approaches can transform our understanding of protein folding and misfolding.
Technical breakthroughs alone are not enough. This article outlines how ethical, social, and humanistic perspectives can help guide the development and responsible use of emerging technologies.
Artificial intelligence and simulations can unveil protein folding and misfolding dynamics. Machine learning, generative models, and multiscale simulations can be integrated with experimental single-molecule data to move beyond static structures toward predictive, dynamic models.
Humanities and social sciences can be meaningfully integrated into national research excellence clusters focused on groundbreaking technologies.
Two-day workshop brings together leading researchers in biophysics, molecular biology, imaging, simulations, and clinical research to explore protein folding and misfolding as dynamic processes.
An international conference on Protein Folding, Misfolding, and Proteostasis — marking the official launch of the Swedish Research Council–funded cluster initiative. Free of charge.
The Vetenskapsrådet funds Excellence Initiative support, enabling the formation of a cluster to investigate real-time protein folding dynamics at single-molecule resolution.