PARIS Project Kick-Off Meeting in Utrecht: A Collaborative Start

The kick-off meeting for the PARIS project took place from January 17th to 19th, 2023, in Utrecht, Netherlands. This gathering of in total 50 participants marked the beginning of a 4-years collaboration following the project’s official start on January 1st, 2023. Organized by Utrecht University (UU) in partnership with the University of Bristol (UNIVBRIS), the meeting brought together all beneficiaries and partner organizations of PARIS. We also welcomed several guests from our sister projects EYE-CLIMA and AVENGERS, and our EU project officer.

Setting the Stage: Introductions and Administrative Insights

The primary aim of the meeting was to introduce the consortium members, provide essential information about administrative requirements, and discuss the short-, medium-, and long-term research objectives as outlined in the Grant Agreement. The agenda included a comprehensive overview of the EU’s expectations as the funding agency, presented by our project officer. In-depth discussions were held regarding the scientific and preparatory work needed for each work package, as well as the necessary networking and interactions between the groups.

Prior to the main meeting, the Work Package (WP) leaders convened to discuss the overarching organization of work packages within the project, including reporting procedures towards the coordinator. During the meeting, each WP leader delivered an overview presentation of their respective work package. 

Detailed Discussions and Future Planning

The implementation of tasks for the upcoming months was a key focus, with discussions taking place either in plenary sessions or in parallel sessions with the relevant consortium members. Emphasis was placed on data management and the organization of inventory team engagement, two central topics within PARIS.

A significant step towards fostering collaboration was made through invited presentations by the coordinators of two related EU projects, EYE-CLIMA and AVENGERS. This initial interaction sets the stage for intensified collaboration in the coming months.

Networking with a Culinary Twist

As networking is key in such collaborative project, we also spent time on team building. The participants enjoyed a unique combined activity and meeting dinner: a vegan/vegetarian cooking workshop. This engaging experience provided an excellent opportunity for the participants to connect on a personal level while learning new culinary skills. A valuable replacement of a standard joint dinner!

Looking Ahead

The PARIS project kick-off meeting in Utrecht was a successful and productive start to what promises to be a groundbreaking collaboration. With clear objectives, strong partnerships, and a dedicated team, the project is well-positioned to achieve its ambitious goals. We look forward to the innovative research and impactful outcomes that will emerge from this collaborative effort.