About

Welcome to the 15th International Maillard Reaction Society (IMARS) symposium in Maastricht. 

In 1912, Louis Camille Maillard made a groundbreaking discovery when he observed the formation of a distinctive yellow-brown color when he heated an aqueous solution of amino acids with reducing sugars. This discovery marked the inception of the Maillard reaction, a non-enzymatic interplay between sugars and proteins. Through a series of reactions Maillard Reaction Products (MRPs) are formed in large quantities during processing of foods and have been traditionally of interest to food scientists because they affect protein digestibility as well as palatability and taste of foods.  As time progressed, the spotlight shifted from the culinary aspects of the Maillard reaction to the biochemical role of the formation of Advanced Glycation Endproducts (AGEs) in human health and disease. To facilitate the exchange of knowledge and ideas between these two intertwined disciplines, the inaugural Maillard Symposium was convened in Uddevalla, Sweden, in 1979. Since then, numerous symposiums have been organized, and in response to a growing recognition of the role of glycation in food technology and health and disease, the International Maillard Reaction Society (IMARS) was established in 2005. It is clear that we need to combine the cross-discipline expertise’s in glycation research.  

This year, we are honored to host the 15th IMARS symposium in the enchanting city of Maastricht, nestled in the south of the Netherlands in the heart of Europe. During the four days, different international professionals (food scientists, biochemists and health professionals) will gather and share the progression in glycation research in combined sessions. Keynote presentations, invited speakers, invited short talk presentations, and poster presentations will be part of the program. We will provide young researchers a scientific podium to present their research and to build up their (inter)national network. 

Our program promises to be a rich tapestry of scientific exploration, interwoven with engaging social events in the picturesque backdrop of Maastricht. We eagerly anticipate your presence at the 15th IMARS symposium and look forward to welcoming you to Maastricht, where we will embark on an exciting journey of discoveries and collaborations in glycation research.