Last week, the partners of the APPEAL project gathered in person for the second time, marking a major milestone in the development of this ambitious research initiative. The 2025 annual meeting took place on November 5–6 at the Barcelona Scientific Park, home to Leitat’s Drug Development department. Our colleagues Sergi Bayod, Marc Masa, and Gerard Jorba warmly welcomed the APPEAL team, creating an inspiring and collaborative environment that fostered knowledge exchange and innovative discussions.
Over the course of the two-day event, nearly all consortium partners participated, allowing for detailed presentations on the technical progress achieved so far. The meeting also provided an excellent opportunity to review the feedback received during the recent European Commission review, align on strategic objectives, and make key decisions for the upcoming phases of the project. Among these, the selection of targets and the compound library to be used in the next stages of APPEAL was a highlight, paving the way for critical advancements in drug discovery and development.
Participants also had the chance to tour the cutting-edge facilities at the Barcelona Scientific Park, which showcase the dynamic health and innovation ecosystem of the region. The visit offered valuable insights into Leitat’s work and its contributions to scientific research, fostering deeper collaboration and mutual understanding between partners.
Leitat would like to express its sincere appreciation to Jena University and all consortium partners for their trust and active participation. The 2025 annual meeting reinforced our shared commitment to advancing APPEAL’s ambitious objectives, and we look forward to the exciting developments and discoveries that lie ahead.
