The 2nd General Assembly of the Excel4Pro project was held on 12 February 2026 at the Institute of Biotechnology of Gebze Technical University (GTU) in Gebze, Türkiye, bringing together project partners to review progress, strengthen collaboration and define the roadmap for the upcoming project period.

The day began with welcome remarks from representatives of GTU’s International Relations Coordination Office and the GTU Institute of Biotechnology, who officially opened the meeting and emphasized the importance of international cooperation within the framework of Excel4Pro.

A significant part of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing the current state of the project, as this meeting also marked the successful completion of our 1st year. All partners presented progress updates, highlighting achievements, ongoing activities and next steps, providing a comprehensive overview of the project’s development and ensured alignment among partners.

Forward Planning and 2026 Roadmap

In the afternoon, participants engaged in forward-planning discussions focused on the 2026 roadmap. Parallel group sessions encouraged interactive exchanges and collaborative planning to refine priorities and coordinate future activities, such as our future trainings and Excel4Pro’s Summer Schools.

The meeting also included a technical visit to the GTU Institute of Biotechnology laboratories, offering participants insight into the host institution’s research infrastructure and capabilities. The day concluded with a social dinner, fostering networking and strengthening partnerships among consortium members.

Conclusion

Overall, the 2nd General Assembly served as an important milestone for Excel4Pro, reinforcing collaboration, reviewing progress, and setting a clear direction for the next phase of the project. Stay tuned for more!