SHIELD Kick-off Meeting in Gothenburg
October 2 & 3, 2025 (on-site and online)
The SHIELD kick-off meeting was held at the coordinating institution at University of Gothenburg (UGOT), Sweden, on 2-3 October 2025. Representatives of the Beneficiaries and Associated Partners discussed several aspects concerning the implementation of the project. In total 46 people attended on-site and online.
During the event, several sessions covered the planned research activities, training programme, dissemination and outreach activities, management and financial issues, with a special focus on the recruitment of the 16 Doctoral Candidates according to theMSCA guidelines.
Short summary of the two days
“SHIELD Doctoral network envisions a future where implant-associated infections no longer compromise the success of medical implants”
Day one started after lunch with welcome and opening remarks by Jovanna Dahlgren, Head of the Institute of Clinical Sciences at University of Gotheburg coordinating institution for SHIELD.
Gergana Simeonova-Arida, Project Officer at the European Commission, talked about how she, in her role as project officer, can assist the doctoral network with guidance and support over the next 4 years.
After this introduction, Margarita Trobos, Project Coordinator of SHIELD, gave an overview presentation focused on the mission, goals, and expected impact of SHIELD.
By integrating cutting-edge research in biomaterials, microbiology, and clinical science, SHIELD will develop innovative antimicrobial solutions, such as smart coatings, peptides, and phage therapies, that improve implant safety and longevity. Through a unique interdisciplinary doctoral training program.
SHIELD will empower 16 Doctoral Candidates to become leaders in translational research, bridging laboratory discoveries with practical healthcare applications to enhance patient outcomes across orthopaedics, otology, and odontology.
Beneficiaries, associated partners andexternal advisory group
In session 1, the 12 Beneficiaries and the 14 associated partners gave a brief introduction about their expertise and roles. The External Advisory Group (EAG) also introduced themselves Julie Gold, Sebastian Zaat and Andrej Trampuz.
In session 2, an overview of financial management, budget categories, policies, eligibility, contractual and reporting procedures, and use of the EU Participant Portal, were presented.
Day 2 focused on the research work packages. Specifically the objectives, deliverables, milestones, and scheduled activities were presented. Moreover the training strategy along with communication, dissemination ans governance were discussed. This final day rounded off with a Lab tour at the Department of Biomaterials at University of Gothenburg.
The SHIELD kick-off meeting fostered rich networking opportunities and dynamic exchanges among the participants.
Text: Susanne Lj Westergren