UniCamillus University is hosting the World Congress on Carnosine and Beta-Alanine (WCCB 2026) in Rome from 22 to 24 September 2026, the international congress dedicated to research on carnosine, β-alanine and related imidazole dipeptides. These are small molecules naturally present in the human body, particularly in muscles and the brain, and have been the focus of research for years in areas including ageing, sports and chronic diseases.
The event brings back to Italy, nine years after the last international edition, a leading scientific community from Europe, the United States, Australia, Brazil and many other countries. The congress marks the sixth chapter in an international scientific journey that began in 2000 and continued over the years with meetings in Moscow, Ghent, Tokyo, Gabicce Mare and Louisville.
Invited international speakers
Among the invited speakers are six researchers from leading European institutions: Jan Haavik (University of Bergen), on the role of the GADL1 enzyme in the production of β-alanine and carnosine; Arshad Majid (University of Sheffield), on the potential neuroprotective role of carnosine in stroke and cerebrovascular diseases; Mark Turner (Nottingham Trent University), on new carnosine analogues with potential pharmacological applications; Giancarlo Aldini (University of Milan), on the antioxidant mechanisms of carnosine; Verena Peters and Benito Yard (University of Heidelberg), respectively on therapeutic perspectives and the vascular role of the molecule in diabetes-related complications.
They are joined by the members of the WCCB International Scientific Committee: Giuseppe Caruso, Barbora de Courten, Wim Derave, Shahid P. Baba, Craig Sale and Guilherme G. Artioli. One session will also bring research from the laboratory to the playing field, featuring Maria Luisa Cravana, nutritionist with the FIGC (Italian Football Federation) Performance Team, who works primarily with the Under-21 national team, on the relationship between nutrition, research and sports performance.
A focus on early-career researchers
The WCCB 2026 places a special focus on the next generation of scientists, with awards for the best poster and oral presentations, as well as the special Gianni Galliano Award for the best oral presentation by an early-career researcher. Travel grants will also be provided to support the participation of PhD students and young researchers.
UniCamillus at the heart of the initiative
Hosting WCCB 2026 represents recognition of the University’s role in the international scientific community.
“A congress like this does not happen by chance: it is the natural outcome of a university that has made openness to the world part of its identity,” says Gianni Profita, Rector of UniCamillus. “Seeing researchers from Europe, the United States, Australia and Brazil come to Rome to discuss science in our classrooms is the clearest confirmation of the path UniCamillus has chosen to pursue: that of a university that thinks and builds itself on an international scale, creating concrete opportunities for exchange, collaboration and growth for the scientific community and for our young researchers.”
The congress is organised under the guidance of Prof. Giuseppe Caruso, Professor of Pharmacology at UniCamillus and a member of the WCCB International Scientific Committee. His research focuses on the therapeutic potential of carnosine, oxidative stress and inflammation in the nervous system. On 22 September at 3:30 p.m., he will give a presentation on these topics.
“Today, research on carnosine and β-alanine is no longer limited to muscle metabolism and physical performance, but extends to processes related to ageing, neuroprotection, and metabolic and cardiovascular health,” says Prof. Giuseppe Caruso. “WCCB 2026 is designed to bring together basic, translational and clinical research, distinguishing established evidence from areas that still require further investigation and fostering new international collaborations. The challenge for the coming years will be to translate the growing understanding of the biological mechanisms of these molecules into concrete, scientifically validated applications for human health.”
Three days, one shared goal: turning research into innovation
The programme is structured around three thematic sessions: biological and chemical mechanisms (22 September), production, use and industrial prospects (23 September), and molecular behaviour in the body and cardiovascular health (24 September).
The congress will take place at the UniCamillus campus at 8 Via di Sant’Alessandro, Rome, reflecting the University’s international dimension, with 22% of its students coming from abroad. The event will bring researchers from different countries to the University, creating new opportunities for exchange and collaboration among faculty members, scholars and early-career researchers.
The Organising Committee brings together numerous UniCamillus faculty members and researchers, including Barbara Tavazzi, Francesca Klinger, Matteo Guzzini, Stefano Palermi, Giacomo Lazzarino, Lucia Buccarello, Sabina Di Matteo, Renata Mangione and Alessio Ardizzone, together with Giuseppe Carota and Lucia Di Pietro from the University of Catania, Giuseppe Caruso (Pharma R&D – Life Sciences Consultant), and Vincenzo Cardaci of CRA Mirabilis.
The congress is ECM-accredited with 20 credits as a 20-hour residential event for medical doctors, chemists, pharmacists, biologists and nurses.
Part of the proceeds will be donated to Save the Children.
Full programme and information: wccb2026.com