On 23-24 October 2024, the partners within the MSCA-funded doctoral network MeChaNiSM met with the scientific advisors Bengt Nordén, Mark Williams and Mattijs de Groot as well as with the innovation advisor Bo Norrman for the kick-off meeting that was held at Chalmers University, Gothenburg, Sweden.
We have discussed and planned for the different training activities and network events for the years to come.
MeChaNiSM Doctoral Network Kick-Off Meeting at the University of Cologne
From 6–10 October 2025, the MeChaNiSM Doctoral Network students gathered at the University of Cologne for an inspiring kick-off meeting filled with scientific exchange, collaboration, and networking!
🔬 Inspiring scientific discussions: We enjoyed engaging talks and valuable insights from outstanding principal investigators, including Fredrik Westerlund, Stephanie Kath-Schorr, Andrew Kellett, Marcus Wilhelmsson, and Felix Ritort.
🎓 Sharing ideas and building collaborations: Our PhD students presented their research ideas, exchanged perspectives, and explored exciting opportunities for future collaborations across the network.
🏰 Discovering Cologne: Beyond the science, we enjoyed memorable moments exploring the iconic Cologne Cathedral and the charming Old Town, strengthening connections and friendships along the way.
A heartfelt thank you to all the participating PIs, Prof. Stephanie Kath-Schorr for hosting us at the University of Cologne, and our partners LUMICKS, NanoTemper, AstraZeneca, and NIBRT for their valuable support in making this meeting a success.
An inspiring start to our journey together — fostering scientific excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a strong research community within MeChaNiSM!
MeChaNiSM Doctoral Network – 2nd General Assembly at the University of Amsterdam
From 28 September to 2 October 2026, the MeChaNiSM Doctoral Network gathered at the University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands, for five inspiring days of scientific learning, knowledge exchange, hands-on training, and collaboration!
🔬 Exploring advanced molecular techniques: Our doctoral researchers benefited from inspiring lectures by leading experts, including Prof. Enrico Carlon, Prof. Jocelyne Vreede, Prof. Felix Ritort, Prof. Andrew Kellett, Prof. Mark Williams, Prof. Thomas Carell, Prof. Erwin Peterman, Prof. Gijs Wuite, and Prof. Jan Lipfert. Topics ranged from molecular dynamics simulations and Monte Carlo methods to force spectroscopy, DNA modelling, optical tweezers, and magnetic tweezers.
🎓 Sharing research and building collaborations: Our PhD students presented updates on their research projects, participated in group assignments, and engaged in stimulating scientific discussions, exchanging ideas and receiving valuable feedback from experts and fellow researchers.
🧪 Hands-on experience at LUMICKS & Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam: A highlight of the meeting was the visit to LUMICKS, where students gained practical experience with single-molecule force measurements using the C-Trap, performed experiments, analyzed data, and explored the exciting connection between academic research and industrial innovation. The programme concluded with a visit to the single-molecule laboratories at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
A heartfelt thank you to all the participating PIs, Prof. Jocelyne Vreede (University of Amsterdam), Prof. Erwin Peterman, Prof. Gijs Wuite (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam) for hosting us in Amsterdam, speakers, researchers, LUMICKS, and the for contributing to an inspiring and memorable General Assembly!
Horizon Europe 2021-2027 Framework Programme, Grant Agreement number 101168851
Disclaimer: Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. The European Union cannot be held responsible for them.