The DarChemDN consortium gathered in Groningen on September 11 and 12, 2024, for the project’s first training workshop. Hosted at the University of Groningen, the hybrid event aimed to foster collaboration among Doctoral Candidates (DCs) and project partners, both in-person and online.
Kickoff and Project Ethics
The first workshop day included a welcome session, where participants introduced themselves and shared their backgrounds. This was followed by an overview of management topics, covering next steps in the project and upcoming EU deliverables and milestones. The day concluded with a lecture and workshop on ethical implications of synthetic forms of life, placing ethics high on the project’s agenda.
Lectures and Lab Tours
The second day featured a series of scientific lectures, starting with an overview of the DarChem-DN project presented by Sijbren Otto. Participants delved into topics such as self-replication, selection methods, and compartmentalisation, guided by expert speakers. In addition to the lectures, attendees had the opportunity to tour the lab, gaining practical insights into the research environment.
Social Events
The workshop not only provided valuable knowledge but also allowed participants to build connections through social events, including a consortium dinner. With a diverse group of researchers and representatives from all partner organisations, the event successfully laid the groundwork for future collaboration and innovation within the DarChemDN project.
