The UNLOCK 2nd annual Symposium proved to be a resounding success, filled with energy, knowledge sharing, and a collective drive for innovation. Participants were not only inspired by the diverse presentations and workshops but also by the vibrant community that UNLOCK has cultivated. "Everybody I talked to was enthusiastic about the day and the opportunities UNLOCK has to offer," shared prof. Hauke Smidt, Platform manager at UNLOCK Biodiscovery Platform and one of the organizers.
The symposium offered a chance to reflect on what has been achieved over the past years. From groundbreaking research to innovative infrastructure, UNLOCK continues to push the boundaries of what's possible. Throughout the day, it was exciting to see participants actively brainstorming potential projects and collaborations, sparked by the presentations, discussions and facility tours.
One of the day's highlights was the passion with which researchers shared their work. Whether it was exploring microbial processes, analyzing anaerobic digestion, or delving into the intricacies of micropollutant removal, the enthusiasm of the speakers was contagious. This enthusiasm, paired with the state-of-the-art infrastructure showcased during the lab visits, left many attendees eager to engage further with UNLOCK.
A Dynamic Program
The program seamlessly balanced deep scientific insights with practical application. A captivating keynote by Assoc. Prof. Anca Delgado from Arizona State University explored the fascinating intersection of chain elongation and reductive dehalogenation.
During the second keynote, Jelmer Tamis & João Sousa from Paques Biomaterials shared their vision on the fruitful marriage of fundamental and applied research on microbes for biopolymer production.
Other presentations addressed pressing challenges, such as refining substrate feeding in anaerobic systems, constructing effective systems for environmental pollutant removal, studying molecular interactions in single cells and exploring the diversity of tick-associated microbiomes.
The hands-on data verification workshop also stood out as a valuable addition. It offered participants practical tools to enhance their data quality, sparking insightful discussions that continued well into the networking sessions.
Looking Ahead with Pride and Excitement
As the day wrapped up, there was a noticeable sense of pride in what has been built and achieved within the UNLOCK framework. The symposium was not only a celebration of past successes but also a launchpad for future collaborations. Many participants left the event with fresh ideas and new connections, ready to contribute to the next chapter of UNLOCK's story.
The collective energy of this community is a reflection of its potential. UNLOCK is more than a research platform; it's a hub of innovation and inspiration. Here's to many more groundbreaking achievements in the years to come!
Connect with the UNLOCK Platform Managers: Join a Speed Date Session, December 13th 2024
Inspired by the energy and ideas shared at the UNLOCK Symposium? Here's your chance to take the next step! We invite you to a speed date session with the UNLOCK platform managers-a unique opportunity to exchange ideas, discuss potential collaborations, and learn more about how UNLOCK can support your research and innovation goals.
These speed-dates are the perfect way to connect directly with the experts behind UNLOCK and explore how we can work together to push the boundaries of science and infrastructure. Keep an eye on our website and newsletter for the programme and registration. Don't miss it!
