Networking at the PHOTOSINT Consortium Meeting: Dr. Aswin Gopakumar’s Experience at ICIQ

Dr. Gopakumar recently attended the PHOTOSINT 12-month consortium meeting held at the Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ-CERCA): PHOTOSINT project celebrates one year of advancements with a consortium meeting in Tarragona (iciq.org). This event, held in Tarragona September the 18th, was a significant opportunity for him to engage with fellow researchers and expand his professional network. The meeting brought together experts from various disciplines, all working towards advancing the field of photosynthesis research.

The PHOTOSINT project is a Horizon Europe initiative focused on developing a photo-electrochemical cell (PEC) that uses sunlight to convert wastewater and CO₂ into hydrogen and methanol. This breakthrough technology aims to produce valuable fuels with renewable energy, aligning with Europe’s goals for sustainable energy innovation.

Project website: Integrating renewable energies in the chemical industry for green energy production with local resources. | PHOTOSINT

During the event, Dr. Aswin had the opportunity to expand his network, discuss his MSCA project with participants throughout the day, gain invaluable feedback, and promote his research while showcasing the ICIQ facilities during the lab tour.

Collaborative events like the PHOTOSINT consortium meeting are crucial for MSCA fellows :

  1. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: These events provide a platform for researchers from different fields to come together, share their insights, and collaborate on innovative projects. For Dr. Aswin, this meant engaging with chemists, biologists, and physicists, each bringing a unique perspective to the table.
  2. Networking Opportunities: Meeting other researchers in person, under the umbrella of the research group, allows for the exchange of ideas and the establishment of professional relationships. Dr. Aswin was able to discuss his work, learn about others’ research, and explore potential collaborations that could lead to groundbreaking discoveries.
  3. Exposure to New Techniques and Technologies: Attending such meetings exposes researchers to the latest advancements in their field. Dr. Aswin had the chance to learn about cutting-edge techniques and technologies that could enhance his own research.
  4. Building a Supportive Community: Being part of Dr. Lloret’s research group and having access to EU consortium networks like PHOTOSINT helps researchers feel connected and supported. It fosters a sense of community where members can seek advice, share resources, and collaborate on solving complex problems. This creates a foundation for future collaborations and, who knows, maybe even new EU-funded research projects!

About PHOTOSINT:

This project aims to develop a photo-electrochemical cell (PEC) capable of converting wastewater and CO₂ into valuable fuels, such as hydrogen and methanol, using only sunlight as an energy source. The project timeline spans from September 2023 to August 2027.

PHOTOSINT project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement Nº 101118129