Interactive learning and rich social events define the success of FEBS Congress 2024
From 29 June to 3 July 2024, Milan hosted the 48th FEBS Congress (Federation of European Biochemical Societies), an event organised by AIM Group, with exceptional attendance and a rich social programme.
The main objective of the Congress was to increase participation and broaden the range of sponsors. Thanks to joint promotion with the European Association and a programme full of interesting content and social events, the congress achieved exceptional results. Attendance reached 2.100, double that of the previous edition, with 25 sponsors, also double the previous number.
The educational programme was impressive, with 250 speakers and 80 educational sessions. Interactive moments with smaller groups, such as speed talks and meet-the-speaker zones, allowed attendees to interact directly with the speakers. The lounge areas and speaker corners were very popular, creating a dynamic and engaging environment.
One of the features of the Congress was the rich social programme, which allowed participants to discover lesser known but equally fascinating parts of Milan. Here the highlights of the programme:
- Meet the biochemist in the secret garden: Held at the Botanical Garden Città Studi, this public event allowed young biochemists to explain their research projects to the public in a relaxing and stimulating environment.
- Welcome reception: At the MiCo Convention Centre, an opportunity for participants to network and reconnect with old friends or make new ones.
- FEBS 60th Anniversary Session: A special session celebrating the 60th anniversary of FEBS, with reflections and discussions on the future of the molecular life sciences.
- Young Networking: An evening hosted by the Italian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, with free drink vouchers at vibrant locations in Milan such as Bar Bianco, Fabbrica del Vapore and GUD bar.
- Tasting what “Made in Italy” means: A sensory experience focusing on Italian wines at Cascina Cuccagna, an old, restored farm in the city centre; Pasta: A tasting and cooking event at the Mercato Centrale Milano that explores the biochemistry of pasta.
- Guided tour of the architectural heritage of the University of Milan
- Congress Dinner: The official congress dinner at the Osteria del Treno, a historic venue with traditional cuisine.
- Guided tour of modern and contemporary art at the University of Milan: A tour of the modern and contemporary art collections at Ca’ Granda, the historic siege of the University.
- FEBS Women in Science Lunch: A buffet lunch aimed at promoting interaction between early career women researchers and senior scientists to discuss gender equality and career issues.
Actions were promoted to limit the environmental impact of the event, such as working with Banco Alimentare to donate surplus food to local charities and using eco-compostable materials.
The congress exceeded expectations in terms of participation and sponsorship and received excellent feedback during the closing ceremony.
“The numbers were the best we could have expected; the happiness of the conference attendees was evident from their smiles and eagerness to participate. We would like as the Organizing Committee to thank the AIM team for their commitment and work. I am referring to all the activities that went into the congress which took years of preparation and utmost attention even to details. You have shown great professionalism” said prof. Loredano Pollegioni.