To support scientific exchange and activity in the field of cardiac cellular electrophysiology, the German Cardiac Society Working Group on Cellular Electrophysiology (AG 18) established a two-day symposium to be held every 2 years. The second Ion Channel Symposium entitled "Göttingen Channels 2017-Of Benches and Beds" took place in Göttingen from September 22nd to 23rd under the auspices of the German Cardiac Society. A group of national and international experts presented scientific advances in cardiac electrophysiology and rhythmology. The symposium's primary focus was the significance of cellular electrophysiology findings for the optimization of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies against cardiac arrhythmias. To this end, speakers, chairpersons and attendees discussed the contribution of specific molecular alterations to the initiation and perpetuation of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. Furthermore, the meeting highlighted how discoveries in electrophysiological research may lead to novel therapeutic targets. The interdisciplinary assessment of mechanisms and therapeutic strategies of cardiac arrhythmias represented a key feature of the meeting. A unique combination of topics and speakers representing both basic science and clinical electrophysiology ensured the scientific success of the "Göttingen Channels 2017" symposium. The next Ion Channel Symposium is planned to be hosted by the incoming co-chair of the German Cardiac Society Working Group on Cellular Electrophysiology in fall 2019.
Keywords: Arrhythmia; Atrial Fibrillation; Basic science; Cellular mechanisms; Electrophysiology.