ENDOTARGET Consortium Gathers for Second Biannual Meeting: Progress, Collaboration, and Future Directions
In early October 2024, the ENDOTARGET consortium held its second biannual meeting, bringing together project partners to assess progress, share insights, and discuss strategies for the future. The event took place over three days in both online and hybrid formats, allowing for comprehensive discussions and strengthening collaboration among the team members working across Europe.
Day 1: Focus on Non-Scientific Tasks
The meeting kicked off on the 7th of October with an online session dedicated to non-scientific work packages. The Ethics team provided an update on compliance and timelines, ensuring the project adheres to ethical standards as it progresses. Following this, the Dissemination, Communication and Exploitation (DCE) team shared achievements in promoting ENDOTARGET’s work and outlined upcoming plans to raise awareness about the project’s scientific impact. Further, the consortium discussed key administrative and operational topics essential for the smooth running of the project.
Day 2: Hybrid Meeting in Stuttgart – Scientific Milestones
The 8th of October marked the start of the hybrid session of the meeting, held in Stuttgart, Germany, and hosted by project partner Steinbeis Europa Zentrum (SEZ). The day began with a warm welcome from the coordinator HUS and the host, setting an enthusiastic tone for the day’s proceedings.
The scientific presentations that followed highlighted the consortium’s progress on multiple fronts. WP1 led the charge, with updates on the “population cohort analysis”. This was followed by WP5’s update on advancements in “data management, multiomics modelling, and artificial intelligence”.
After a well-deserved lunch break, the consortium reconvened for more scientific presentations. WP2 showcased their progress in “the focused cohort and in vitro studies”, while WP3 focused on the “proof-of-concept studies”. After a quick coffee break, WP4 took the stage to present their progress in “novel strategies to prevent and control arthritis by interfering with the gut-joint axis”.
The evening brought a change of pace, with the team enjoying dinner at a traditional German Brauhaus, followed by a visit to the famous Cannstatter Wasen, one of the largest and most vibrant festivals in the region. This relaxed setting provided an opportunity for informal discussions and bonding, fostering stronger connections within the consortium.
Day 3: Ethical and Clinical Discussions
The final day, on the 9th of October, was dedicated to ethical and clinical considerations. The Ethical Board and Clinical Board held separate meetings to discuss crucial aspects of the project’s research. The day concluded with a General Assembly after lunch.
Looking Ahead
As the ENDOTARGET project nears its halfway mark, this biannual meeting showcased the consortium’s achievements and reinforced its commitment to advancing scientific understanding of the onset of rheumatic diseases. The collaborative spirit and dedication of all partners continue to drive the project forward, ensuring that ENDOTARGET remains at the forefront of groundbreaking research.
