The TRANSLATE project held its final General Assembly on 4-5 June 2025, at the Environmental Research Institute (ERI), University College Cork. With team members joining in person and online from Ireland, Latvia, and Germany, the two-day event marked a meaningful close to four years of cross-border research collaboration.
Funded by the European Union, TRANSLATE has brought together experts in nanofluidic modelling, nanofabrication, and optimisation to develop next-generation energy materials — aiming to convert waste heat into usable, clean electricity. This final gathering was not only a celebration of what’s been achieved, but also a moment of reflection, learning, and legacy-building.
A Look Back — and Ahead
As is tradition in TRANSLATE assemblies, each partner shared updates on scientific progress. But this final assembly also included a unique opportunity: a dedicated feedback session where team members could candidly discuss what worked well — and what could be improved.
The session served as a valuable knowledge-sharing exercise. Teams spoke about the challenges of aligning theoretical design with experimental implementation, lessons from managing complex international logistics, and suggestions for even more effective collaboration in future projects. Documenting these insights will support not only TRANSLATE’s legacy but also the success of future research consortia.
An insightful aspect of the General Assembly came from the PhD researchers. These early-career scientists shared what it was like to work within a large, international research project — from learning new techniques across disciplines to navigating virtual collaboration during key phases of the project.
Their reflections provided a fresh, honest perspective on how EU-funded projects can shape research careers and foster real growth, especially when mentorship, communication, and structured support are prioritised.
Capturing the Moment: Filming and Final Reflections
Throughout the event, we captured behind-the-scenes video content — including interviews, lab footage, and candid moments of the consortium reconnecting in person. These materials will form part of TRANSLATE’s final communication outputs and highlight the human and scientific stories behind the research.
Closing on a High Note
More than a formal meeting, the final General Assembly reminded everyone involved of the strength of collaboration. Over coffees, shared meals, and team discussions, the event created space not just for conclusions — but for connection.
As TRANSLATE approaches the final months of delivery, the ideas exchanged in Cork will help shape final outputs and reinforce the project’s impact long after it ends.
Stay tuned for the final video and project wrap-up — coming soon on X, LinkedIn and Bluesky.
Curious about our research? Watch this short video:
