On June 16th the first Theme Treatment meeting was planned to take place. However due to COVID-19 a physical meeting was not possible. To welcome and motivate all new PhD students in Theme Treatment, it was quickly decided to organize a digital meeting in order to get to know each other, to discuss ideas and dilemmas with regard to ongoing projects, and to identify potential barriers.  The first online SYMPHONY brainstorm meeting!

After a short welcome in which all were invited to “Think like a freak”,  all 8 PhDs within  Theme Treatment introduced themselves and their research plans. In short, the projects included topics on value-Based Healthcare, the application of  e-health,  and  PK-guided dosing  of factor concentrates and desmopressin to  personalize treatment in  patients with bleeding disorders.

During the break, childhood photographs were shared to illustrate everyone’s capacity towards personal growth!

Two rounds of breakout sessions were organized, headed by workpackage leaders and junior researchers together. All PhDs actively engaged in discussions and reported the conclusions in the general meeting afterwards.

At the end of the meeting, Frank our Theme leader proclaimed this first meeting an important historical milestone!  Intelligent lockdowns lead to new and inspiring initiatives.  Hope to  see everyone live on September 22nd during the SYMPHONY General Assembly!