Programme

_{*All times are GMT}

Day 1: Wednesday, 2 April, 2025 - HYBRID sessions

9h30-9h45 Welcome Address & Introduction

Conveners: Organizing team

9h45-12h30 Session 1

9h45-10h45: The socioeconomic analysis of multiplexed biosensors

Conveners: Kristen Connor, Joana Sousa, Gustavo Garcia, and Filipe Santos (CES)

This session explores the current and future demand for rapid, multiplexed biosensors in two fields: forensic and marine sciences. Speakers will introduce their findings and methods, and engage participants in a discussion of how SSH methods and expertise can assess both the opportunities and risks associated with these technologies. The discussion will highlight the broader societal implications of integrating biosensors into decision-making processes. Drawing on two case studies in Portugal, this session will investigate how interdisciplinary collaboration can shape a bio-intelligent economy, raising questions about how technological advancements can align with public needs and ethical considerations.

10h45-11h15 Coffee-break

11h15-12h30 Participant presentations and debate

12h30-14h30 Lunch Break

14h30-17h30 Session 2

14h30-16h: SSH Integration and Sustainable Organic Bioelectronic Research

Convener: Henrique Leonel Gomes (University of Coimbra)

Join us for a session on Sustainable Organic Bioelectronics with Professor Henrique Leonel Gomes, Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Coimbra University and head of the Organic Electronics and Bioelectronics research group. As electronic devices increasingly integrate AI and communication capabilities into textiles, homes, and healthcare, sustainability challenges arise—demanding new materials and fabrication methods. This session will explore how organic-based electronics on biodegradable scaffolds offer a path toward eco-friendly, biocompatible solutions, highlighting their role in biosensors and bioelectronic devices. As an experienced researcher, Dr. Gomes will also share his perspectives on and experience with SSH integration on EU projects. Together, participants will discuss the current and possible future roles for SSH integration in Organic Bioelectronic research.

16h00-16h30 Coffee-break

16h30-17h30 Participant presentations and debate

Day 2: Thursday, 3 April, 2025 - HYBRID sessions

9h30-12h30 Session 3

9h30-11h00: SSH perspectives on the Animal-to-Recombinant DNA Transition (SSH)

Conveners: Bernardo Valente (CES), Hugo Pinto (UAlg), and Tiago Santos Pereira (CES)

This session provides an overview of the transition from animal-based antibodies to recombinant antibodies from the perspective of Science and Technology Studies and Governance. It examines how disruptive innovations, such as recombinant DNA and multiplex biosensors, develop within ethical, cultural, economic, political, and industrial contexts that may enhance or hinder these technologies' potential. Participants will be introduced to SSH methods for analysing knowledge networks, including open-source data on citations and patents. It also explores the key features that contribute to the success of scientific collaborations and how stakeholders can navigate the innovative market of recombinant DNA. Additionally, a link between scientific production networks and the geopolitical tensions present in today's international economy. This first session introduces some of the challenges faced by international and multidisciplinary researchers, inviting participants to find and try to work with open-source data relevant to their research and paving the way for further exploration in the following sessions.

11h00-11h30 Coffee-break

11h30-12h30 Participant presentations and debate

12h30-14h30 Lunch Break

14h30-17h30 Session 4

14h30-16h: Vegan Antibodies and the Antibody Market (STEM)

Conveners: Laila Al-Halabi-Frenzel and Jan Terbrack (Abcalis Lab)

At Abcalis Lab new antibodies are generated animal-free. Antibodies are isolated from gene libraries using phage display. Phage display is a technique used to identify high-affinity recombinant antibodies by engineering bacteriophages to display antibody fragments on their surface. A phage library is exposed to a target antigen, and through multiple rounds of selection, the strongest binders are enriched, isolated, and optimized for therapeutic or diagnostic use. Building on the insights of Session One, in this session, participants will learn about the animal-to-recombinant transition from the perspective of a cutting-edge vegan antibody provider. The innovative approach of Abcalis to sustainable science turns this session into an engaging opportunity to discuss the bottlenecks and opportunities for SME enterprises working with animal-free technology.

16h00-16h30 Coffee-break

16h30-17h30 Participant presentations and debate

Day 3: Friday, 4 April, 2025 - HYBRID sessions

9h30-12h30 Session 5

9h30-11h: Art, science, and science communications (SSH+A)

Conveners: Rita Campos (CES), Inês Montalvão, and André Caetano

This roundtable brings together Rita Campos, Inês Montalvão, and André Caetano to explore the intersections of art, science, and science communication. Through discussion and case studies, the session will examine how artistic practices can bridge disciplinary divides, making complex scientific concepts more accessible and engaging to diverse audiences. It will also focus on the creation of shared vocabulary that strengthens the dialogue between science and society, and disciplines, enabling more inclusive and meaningful exchanges. Participants will reflect on the role of visual storytelling, creative methodologies, and public engagement in shaping the societal impact of scientific research.

11h00-11h30 Coffee-break

11h30-12h30 Participant presentations and debate

12h30-14h30 Lunch Break

14h30-17h30 Session 6

14h30-16h: BioAssemblage - the sound of DNA (Live Performance and Discussion)

Conveners: BioAssembler artist-in-residence Andrea Inocêncio

The BioAssemblage performance is an art-based communication strategy within the BioAssembler project, aiming to bridge science and the public through artistic collaboration. Developed after an artistic-scientific residency in Finnish research labs, the performance highlights the often-invisible precision of biosensor development, particularly acoustic microresonators. Using lab imagery and visualizations of bioreceptor chips, it invites audiences to reflect on the intersection of art, science, and sensory perception. Together we will reflect on how artistic interpretation can make scientific research more accessible and engaging for the public, and how art can impact our perceptions and understandings of biosensor technologies.

16h00-16h30 Coffee-break

16h30-17h30 Debate and conclusions

19:00 Optional Group Dinner*

*Not included in course registration.

Day 4: Thursday, 8 May, 2025 - ONLINE session (TBC)

Session 7: New generation multiplexed biosensors and the BioAssembler project (STEM)

Conveners: Petri Saviranta (VTT), Emilia Barannik (VTT), Mark Somoza (University of Vienna), Gisela Ibañez (University of Vienna)

In this fully remote session, biotechnology researchers from VTT Labs and the University of Vienna—Petri Saviranta, Emilia Barannik, Mark Somoza, and Gisela Ibañez—will present the latest advancements in next-generation multiplexed biosensors. Drawing from their work in the BioAssembler project, they will discuss the experimental development of these cutting-edge technologies, their potential applications, and the challenges of translating lab research into real-world solutions. This session will provide participants with insight into the future of biosensing, highlighting interdisciplinary collaborations driving innovation in the field. Participants will also hear about SSH integration from the vantage point of biotechnology researchers.

Day 5: Friday, 9 May, 2025 - ONLINE session (TBC)

Session 8: Biosensor applications from the perspective of Small and Medium Enterprises (STEM)

Conveners: Anna Spehar (Biomensio), Gerhard Jobst (Jobst Technologies), and Mathias Reisback (Jobst Technologies)

This session brings together industry experts Anna Spehar, Gerhard Jobst, and Mathias Reisback to discuss the role of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the development and commercialization of biosensor technologies. Participants will gain insights into the challenges and opportunities SMEs face in translating cutting-edge research into market-ready solutions. The discussion will explore key application areas, business strategies, and the evolving landscape of biosensor innovation in industry.