In 2021, 15 PhD students started their research within the framework of EndoConnect, collaborating across 12 European institutions and companies. In 19-21 November, the consortium held its concluding symposium in Cambridge (UK), bringing together students, researchers, industrial partners, and invited experts to celebrate the achievements of this network. This event was open to everyone, and EndoConnect welcomed approximately 55 participants, including several invited speakers.
The keynote speakers were the distinguished scientists Anna Maria Cuervo from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine (New York, USA) and Marino Zerial, Director of the Human Technopol (Milano, Italy). Their contributions and that of all the speakers set the stage for lively discussions, fostering an atmosphere of strong engagement among attendees.
The symposium concluded with a formal dinner at Corpus Christi College (Cambridge), which also served as a formal closure for the EndoConnect consortium, and to say farewell to the EndoConnect PhD students.
Throughout the project, EndoConnect has achieved significant academic success, resulting in the publication of more than 11 peer-reviewed papers, with over 10 additional manuscripts currently under review or in preparation. The majority of EndoConnect PhD students are expected to defend their doctoral theses in the coming year, and they are well-equipped to advance their careers in academia, industry, or beyond.
Reflecting on the project’s achievements, Bart van de Sluis remarked:
“It has been a great honor to work with such a talented group of students. On behalf of all the principal investigators, I extend our best wishes for their future steps. We are confident that the collaborations and professional relationships fostered through EndoConnect will endure, continuing to benefit the scientific community for years to come.”
The success of EndoConnect highlights the value of international and interdisciplinary cooperation in advancing knowledge and training the next generation of researchers in critical fields.
Link to the symposium: The EndoConnect Symposium on Endo-Lysosomes in Metabolic Regulation
