On 21 and 22 September 2026, the PEARL-DNA consortium came together in Fribourg, Switzerland, for its final General Assembly (GA), hosted by the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES-SO). For two days, partners held scientific and technical discussions, assessed project coordination, coordinated bilateral exchanges and prepared for the project’s final review.
The GA provided an opportunity to review the work carried out during the project’s duration and to look closely at the progress and results achieved across all work packages (WPs). Discussions covered the data preparation system (WP1), high-throughput liquid handling and DNA assembly systems (WP2), high-density microwells for long-term DNA preservation (WP3), sequencing and decoding and platform verification (WP4), coordination and innovation management (WP5), communication and dissemination (WP6), and portfolio activities (WP7). The programme also included a tour of the HES-SO iPrint laboratory.
Three years of work put to the test
On 23 September, the consortium faced another important milestone through the final review meeting with the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA). The review brought together the project partners, project officer and three external experts for a full-day assessment of PEARL-DNA’s technical progress, outcomes, innovation and exploitation activities, communication, portfolio activities and project management.
After three years of intensive work, the consortium came to the review well prepared and focused. Partners presented their work, the achieved results and the progress throughout the project. The guidance and prompt feedback of the project officer was appreciated and the experts asked many challenging but highly relevant questions. This fresh, direct and constructive feedback encouraged everyone to look at the achievements from an external perspective and to reflect on both the results delivered and the work that lies ahead. The first interaction with the new DigNA program manager during the meeting was also productive and provided a positive basis for continued dialogue. Project coordinator Tomaž Karčnik described the outcome of the final review meeting as, “Small team, but a great one: highly motivated and delivering breakthrough results”.
Looking beyond PEARL-DNA
While the final GA marks the end of PEARL-DNA as a funded project, it does not mark the end of the work. As partners look back on three years of intensive collaboration, scientific and technological progress, and a truly international team effort, the consortium is now actively exploring new funding opportunities to continue developing the results and ideas generated through the project.
