The SUN-PERFORM project recently held its first consortium meeting at the Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology in Marburg, Germany. Partners from across Europe gathered on March 24-25 for two productive days of discussions, planning, and collaboration hosted by Tobias Erb.
During the meeting, project partners presented updates on their ongoing research activities and outlined critical next steps. The gathering provided an excellent opportunity for knowledge exchange and strengthened collaborative relationships among the multidisciplinary team.
Descriptive transcript
| Graphics | Visuals |
|---|---|
| On 24 March, our team had its first consortium meeting at the Max Plack Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology. | A green and tree-filled campus of a research institution with some concrete buildings. |
| Partners shared their first updates, next steps, and participations in upcoming events. | A group meets in a room to share and listen to slide presentations. |
| We got to tour the institute’s Metabolomics installations with Nicole Paczia, | A woman presents several complex scientific equipment to the group. |
| while Timo Glatter showcased their Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics facilities. | A group of people meets in a room to share and listen to slide presentations. |
| Everyone got to know each other a little better and share perspectives on the future of our project. | The group has lunch together and gathers for a picture. |
Research Progress Highlights
The consortium has made impressive early progress on several fronts. Researchers have started implementing new energy storage systems in algae strains and have conducted initial growth tests under various conditions. The team is exploring alternative pathways to traditional photosynthesis, with promising directions identified for improving efficiency.
Material science advances include the development and testing of specialized light-enhancing foils designed to optimize algal growth, with several prototypes already delivered to partners for further testing and refinement.
Laboratory Tours
A highlight of the meeting was the tour of the institute’s cutting-edge research facilities, giving partners a firsthand look at the scientific work happening in Marburg. Nicole Paczia, Head of Metabolomics and Small Molecule Mass Spectrometry, and Timo Glatter, Head of Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, provided valuable insights into the advanced analytical techniques used to study microbial metabolism.
Looking Ahead
The consortium mapped out ambitious next steps, including:
- Further testing under more challenging conditions to better understand system performance
- Implementation of additional energy storage options
- Optimization of light-enhancing materials
- Development of standardized protocols across partner laboratories
- Ongoing efforts to increase the visibility and reach of the project
SUN-PERFORM is maintaining active engagement with the scientific community, with participation planned at several upcoming conferences including the International Chlamydomonas Conference in Münster, Germany, and the European Biomass Conference in Riga, Latvia.
The team also looks forward to welcoming the University of Aveiro to the project through the Hop-On Facility, with proposal preparation currently underway.
Next Meetings
The next consortium meeting will be hosted by partners at the University of Amsterdam on November 3-4, 2025, with a potential follow-up meeting in Morocco in March 2026.