11th Retreat 2023
The Location
The 11th Systems Biology Retreat was held in Lugano, Switzerland, on 11-13th October 2023. Tucked away in the boutique and lifestyle hotel "LuganoDante", 28 systems biologists enjoyed three days of sun, science and adventure at the picturesque lake Lugano. Our cosmopolitan refuge was located in Lugano’s vibrant old town, offering a state-of-the-art conference centre. With exciting speakers and insightful discussions, we delved into our research and heard from industry experts. In our free time, we traversed the rocky descents of San Salvatore and cruised along the lake in the evening, enjoying the beautiful scenery of Switzerland's south.
Scientific Program
This year's retreat centred around the theme of "Careers in Science", offering a platform for inter-lab exchange and career development insights.
The program began with a series of flash talks where participants succinctly presented their primary research projects. Following the flash talks, Benjamin Häfliger, a former McKinsey consultant now working in the pharmaceutical industry, shared his personal journey. He emphasised the adaptability of Systems Biology skills and their applicability to various career paths.
On the second day, Sebastian Steinhauser from Novartis delved into the practical applications of Systems Biology in a biological context, providing an update on the scientific and early-stage research and development landscape. Natalie de Souza, a former editor at Nature Methods, offered unique insights into scientific publishing and conducted an interactive scientific writing workshop to enhance communication skills.
On the final day, Natalya Izergina-Bechold, a recruiter from CSL Bering, led discussion and provided expertise on CV and cover-letter contents for job applications at an early career stage.
Social Program
During our retreat, we also organized an engaging social program that allowed participants to engage with each other, share ideas and stimulate discussions. The first evening, we tackled an outdoor escape room game across the city of Lugano, followed by a delicious dinner at an authentic Neapolitan pizza restaurant. The second afternoon took us from the rocky slopes of San Salvatore to the village of Melide, where we caught a ferry to the charming village of Morcote. Morcote is a Swiss paradise with a beautiful old town and castle, as well as stunning lakeside views. We wandered around, then tucked into a fantastic four-course dinner with wine before heading back to Lugano.
Thanks to all the participants for making this retreat greatly enjoyable!
Organisers
- Alina Bollhagen (Bodenmiller group)
- Fatima Benitez (Brunner group)
- James Whipman (Bodenmiller group)
- Lasse Meyer (Bodenmiller group)
We are very thankful for the support of our generous retreat sponsors (Roche, Swisscare, Krebsliga, Syngenta, INFORS HT, Microsynth, Zeiss, Standard Biotools, Twist, ROTH AG, and LSZ Graduate School).
