One week ago, the NOVA consortium gathered in Manchester for our 6th General Assembly, hosted by Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU).

Over two days, we held productive workshops that pushed our work forward and helped us align on the final steps as we enter the last year of the project. Thanks to the engaged discussions and collaborative spirit, the consortium is now well-prepared for the road ahead.

A real highlight of the meeting was the unique opportunity to step into the microbial laboratories of MMU. We could experience first-hand the environment where our antimicrobial coatings are tested. This was an inspiring experience for all of us, usually working from the perspective of design, materials, or modelling – and it gave a deeper appreciation for the work done by our colleagues in the lab. Many thanks to our hosts for making this possible!

Beyond the workshops, we also enjoyed a fun evening of darts, which gave us the chance to strengthen our social bonds and continue building the collaborative spirit that drives NOVA.

We are grateful to James and the MMU team for their warm hospitality in Manchester, and we already look forward to meeting again for the next General Assembly in February at DECHEMA in Frankfurt.