16th EPSA Autumn Assembly

The 16th Autumn Assembly took place from the 29th of October until the 3rd of November. During these days, about 350 students came together in Poreč, Croatia, to CROnnect with each other.

An educational program was set up by the Reception Committee and EPSA’s educational department consisting of two mornings of symposiums on biological treatments with several high level speakers. Furthermore; workshops, trainings, a live public health campaign and a science excursion were organized for participants. In the evening, participants had the opportunity to meet each other during the social program. After the first night’s opening-ceremony on Wednesday, it was time for a ‘heroes and villains’ themed evening. On the third day we had the opportunity to explore Poreč during the sightseeing and in the evening we tested our knowledge on the cuisines of different countries during international night. We had the opportunity to experience some Croatian style during Croatian night on Friday and the congress was concluded as usual with a gala on Saturday.

Concluding this, I want to congratulate the Reception Committee, Helping Team and the EPSA team for their work to make this event a successful one. The determination of the Reception Committee made it possible to bring an outstanding number of participants and sponsors to contribute to this event. I hope to see a lot of participants, and new faces, again at the Annual Congress in Lyon!

In October I got the opportunity to join the EPSA Autumn Assembly. The EPSA Annual Congress of 2018 in Baarlo, the Netherlands, where I was part of the Helping Team, was my first EPSA experience. This congress was my second EPSA congress and I was very excited to be able to join the EPSA AA as a participant. I was very happy to see some familiar faces after arrival and to get a very warm welcome from the Helping Team. This evening we got the chance to socialize and to enjoy the opening ceremony and party. During the mornings of the first and second day we got the chance to learn about biotechnology during a very interesting symposium. We got the opportunity to ask questions and to discuss about the future of this field. It was very interesting to learn about the vision of experts in this field and to discuss it with other students. The other days we could choose from very broad spectrum of workshops and trainings. It was an outstanding educational program where I gained many hard skills as well as several soft skills. I also really enjoyed being able to discuss the educational outcomes with other students. On Thursday it was time to see sites in Poreč. We got a guided tour through Poreč and learned about the rich history of Poreč. Last but not least, we really enjoyed the social program and the food during the whole congress which was absolutely outstanding. I got to know many fellow students from all over Europe and got many new friends after this EPSA congress. Altogether, the congress was great, and we had an unforgettable week.

Elvira den Hertog K.N.P.S..V. President