Procrystal
Extensive Training Programme
To meet the 3 ROs, we plan an extensive training programme (WP6) that will equip the DCs with knowledge and techniques to enable a Biocrystallisation Infrastructure. In the short term, the training programme will empower them to achieve the goals formulated in their PhD projects and maximise the dissemination and exploitation of their research results (WP5). In the long term, the integrated Training-Research-Exploitation programme will prepare them to become leading experts in the Biomanufacturing research and industrial field.
Training Events
Schedule
KICK-OFF
The starting event aims to mark the beginning of the MSCA-DN PROCRYSTAL and features the Beneficiaries, Associated Partners (AP) and the Doctoral Candidates (DCs), as well as the members of the External Advisory Board (AEB). On 23 and 24 of September, the event provides a module on Scientific communication & writing (TSM1) and Emotional Intelligence tools (TSM2) to all the DCs, while an overview of the PROCRYSTAL project are presented on the 25 and 26 of September.
The TSMs courses confer a total of 2 ECTS and are taught by Chaperone, a social impact company created to empower scientists and academics in their careers by connecting them with career consultants around the world. The courses are organized in three workshops entitled “From Draft to Impact: Scientific Writing and Communication”; “Conflict Management and Effective Communication in the Lab” and “Balance and Brains: Mental Wellness for PhD Success”.
On the 25 is held the official opening session of the KICK-OFF with an overview of the PROCRYSTAL project and timeline followed by the presentation of the PhD projects by the DCs. The afternoon of the 25th is marked by the first Supervisory Board meeting, where all the supervisors and co-supervisors of the PhD projects, representatives of both the APs and DCs, as well as the members of the EAB are present. Progress status of the network (deliverables, milestone) and of the recruitment of the DCs are assessed. The training events are planned (schedule, courses, local…) and strategies for data management are discussed (electronic laboratory book, a network group on TEAMS…), as well as the recruitment process of the project manager.
In the afternoon of the 25th meeting between the DCs and their respective supervision team are also organized to discuss the details of the PhD projects, in particular confirm the title, objectives and secondments.
On the 26, the morning will be dedicated to the project check meeting with EU project Officer Szymon Sroda, where the fulfilment of the recruitment procedure, the eligibility of the DCs, the project’s progress and any deviations from the original research training program are assessed. The afternoon of the 26th is the closing session of the event.
Training event I
The second training event of the PROCRYSTAL MSCA Doctoral Network, Training Event I, was held online from 17 to 20 of March 2026. The event was organized by Professor Daniela Tsekova from UCTM, Sofia, Bulgaria.
The Training Event I was focused on the fundamental and applied aspects of biomolecules, including their physicochemical properties, production, processing, and therapeutic applications. The event brought together experts from academia and industry to deliver a comprehensive training programme combining theoretical lectures with practical sessions and interactive activities.
The training was organised into thematic modules covering key stages of the biomanufacturing workflow, namely: Module I - basic properties of biologics; Module II - upstream processing; Module III - downstream processing; Module IV - analysis and formulation; and Module V - biological therapeutics. In addition, a specialised module, TSM3, on regulatory frameworks provided essential insights into the processes governing pharmaceutical development and market authorisation, both globally and within the European Union.
Through this multidisciplinary approach, Training Event I aimed to strengthen participants’ understanding of the scientific, technical, and regulatory challenges associated with modern biopharmaceutical development. The event also fostered collaboration, critical thinking, and knowledge exchange among participants, contributing to the overall objectives of the PROCRYSTAL network.
