Social Programme

We invite you to join in the social programme of the 48th FEBS Congress!

Several activities are planned to add to the enjoyment of the event and facilitate participants getting to know each other.

Please note that for some events the number of participants is limited and subject to availability, and for these you need to book the event through your Congress participant account by 30 May 2024.

SATURDAY 29 June 2024

Meet the Biochemist in the Secret Garden

Date:  Saturday 29 June 2024
Time:  09:00-13:00
Location:  University Botanical Garden – Via Golgi, 18 (Città Studi district)

The Botanical Garden is easily reached by the following public transportation:
Metro Green Line MM2: Lambrate stop + bus #45 (get off at the 3^rd stop – Largo Murani – walk 150 m) or Metro Blue Line MM4: Dateo stop + bus #61 (get off at the 8^th stop – Largo Murani – walk 150 m)
Price:  Free

About the event: This is a public event to which 48th FEBS Congress participants are also welcome. Young biochemists will meet citizens in a relaxing and stimulating garden to explain their research projects and their impact on society. The event will include an explanatory poster session and scientific experiments dedicated to kids. Congress participants already in Milano are strongly invited to take part and meet other colleagues and citizens in a beautiful green space. The event is organized by young biochemical researchers of Lombardy.

Curiosity: The garden was the setting for the film "Miracle in Milan" directed in 1951 by Vittorio De Sica. In particular, the opening scene of the film, with the finding of the newborn baby in a cabbage patch, was filmed right in a vegetable garden.

Welcome Reception

Date:  Saturday, 29 June 2024
Time:  19:30-21:00
Location:  Exhibition Area, MiCo Convention Centre

Dress Code:  Casual
Menu:  Snacks and drinks
Price:  Included in the registration fee
 
About the event: After the opening lectures, all participants of the Congress are invited to network with their colleagues in the main Hall of the congress venue where the exhibition and the poster area are located. Find old friends or make some new ones!

SUNDAY 30 June 2024

Young Networking 1

The Italian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (SIB) is offering free coupons to young scientists of the Congress, valid for a free drink in a few vibrant locations in Milano.

Date:  Sunday 30 June 2024
Time:  any time after 19:00
Location:  Choose one of the venues (subject to availability)
Price:  Free. Booking is required via your Congress participant account. Should your order be confirmed, you’ll be asked to collect your personal coupon at the Congress Registration Desk.

About the event: Grab a drink with your peers!  Picture this: you're surrounded by fellow young scientists, with the shimmering lights of Milano as your backdrop. Raise your glass and toast to new friendships, collaborations, and endless possibilities. This is your chance to meet like-minded individuals who share your passion for science, all while sipping on a delicious drink.

• Bar Bianco – Viale Enrico Ibsen, 4 (Parco Sempione)

Situated in the picturesque Parco Sempione, Bar Bianco is a place where you can immerse yourself in the true essence of Italian hospitality. Surrounded by lush greenery and adorned with comfortable seating, this idyllic space is perfect for socializing with friends or simply unwinding after a long working day. Immerse yourself in the vibrant Milanese culture, indulge in exquisite flavors, and create lasting memories at this captivating bar.

How to reach it from MiCo Convention centre:

Take Metro Lilac Line MM5 (Portello stop), direction: “Bignami”.  Get off at Garibaldi FS and take the Metro Green Line MM2, direction “Abbiategrasso/Assago”. Get off at Lanza and walk for about 6 minutes, crossing by the park to get to the venue.

• Fabbrica del Vapore – Via Giulio Cesare Procaccini, 4

Fabbrica del Vapore is a unique space that has been transformed from an old industrial factory into a hub of creativity, innovation, and artistic expression. One of the most exciting aspects of Fabbrica del Vapore is its commitment to hosting a wide range of events and activities that cater to the interests of young people. From contemporary art exhibitions and live performances to workshops and interactive installations, there is always something happening at the venue. Beyond its artistic offerings, Fabbrica del Vapore also boasts a trendy café and social space where young people can relax, socialize, and exchange ideas. This creates a lively and inclusive atmosphere that encourages dialogue and fosters a sense of belonging among the visitors.

How to reach it from MiCo Convention centre:

Take Via Bartolomeo Colleoni and reach Metro Lilac Line MM5, Portello station. Here take the metro, direction “Bignami”, and get off at Cenisio. Walk towards Via Messina and reach the venue in about 6 minutes.

TUESDAY 2 July 2024

Congress Dinner - SOLD OUT

Date:  Tuesday 2 July 2024
Time:  20:30-22:30
Location:  Osteria del Treno - Via S. Gregorio, 46 - Milano


Dress Code:  Casual
Menu:  Taste of Milano
Price:  55 € (VAT included). A dinner ticket can be purchased through your Congress participant account.

About the Event: All participants of the Congress are invited to join the official Congress Dinner, held in a historical place near the Central Station, once the after-work canteen of many  railroad workers and where the environment has not changed since then.
The number of participants is limited. 

Young Networking 2

The Italian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (SIB) is offering free coupons to young scientists of the Congress, valid for a free drink in a few vibrant locations in Milano. 

Date:  Tuesday 2 July 2024
Time:  any time after 19:00
Location:  Choose one of the venues (subject to availability)
Price:  Free. Booking is required via your Congress participant account. Should your order be confirmed, you’ll be asked to collect your personal coupon at the Congress Registration Desk.

About the event: Grab a drink with your peers!  Picture this: you're surrounded by fellow young scientists, with the shimmering lights of Milano as your backdrop. Raise your glass and toast to new friendships, collaborations, and endless possibilities. This is your chance to meet like-minded individuals who share your passion for science, all while sipping on a delicious drink.

• GUD Milano CityLife – Via Demetrio Stratos, 5

GUD City Life is a vibrant and lively cocktail bar located in the social garden called “Orto Fiorito”. Despite being surrounded by the impressive buildings and luxury residences of the district, GUD City Life exudes the atmosphere of a cozy spot, ideal for relaxing and networking with your peers. Most of the area at GUD is open and uncovered, with the exception of a bar and a small veranda. The view is dominated by white and blue striped umbrellas that make the ambience pleasant and colorful. GUD Citylife offers a unique experience that combines the natural beauty of the social garden with the modernity of a business city.

How to reach it from MiCo Convention centre:

The venue is close to the congress center.
Take Via Bartolomeo Colleoni for 250 m, then turn left onto V.le Eginardo and after 180 m slight left onto Via Demetrio Stratos. You’ll reach the destination in just 12 minutes.

• Bar Bianco – Viale Enrico Ibsen, 4 (Parco Sempione) - see above
• Fabbrica del Vapore – Via Giulio Cesare Procaccini, 4 - see above

Biochemistry and a flavor of Italy 

The following evening activity options will be bookable with a small payment. Join curious fellow Congress participants for new insights and experiences!

Please note that the number of participants is limited, and that each event requires a minimum number of participants to be able to go ahead. 

SUNDAY 30 June 2024

Tasting what “Made in Italy” means: Cheese

Date: Sunday, 30 June 2024
Time: 19:30-21:00
Location: Cascina Cuccagna - Via Privata Cuccagna, 2/4

The farmhouse can be reached by these public transportation options:
Metro Yellow Line MM3: Lodi TIBB stop and walk for 500 m
or Metro Green Line MM2: Caiazzo stop and take trolleybus #92; get off at viale Umbria/Via Muratori and walk for 130 m
or Metro Red Line MM1: Cordusio stop and take streetcar #16; get off at V.le Umbria/Via Comelico and walk for 400 m

Curiosity: The farmhouse was restored and then reopened to the public in 2012, as a center of culture and participation that spreads ideas of innovation, sustainable services and cultural projects. It is an agricultural outpost capable of reviving the relationship between city and countryside.

Price: 20 € (VAT included). The ticket can be purchased through your Congress participant account.

Minimum number of participants: 40 (the event won’t be held with less than 40 participants).
Maximum number of participants: 60

About the event: A one-hour experience followed by a light aperitif at an 17th century farmhouse. The presentation will use selected protein-focused examples to lead participants through a “biochemical journey” from milk to bioactives in typical Italian cheese.

Grana Padano cheese: the tricks of the trade - Paolo D’Incecco (DeFENS, Milan)

The biochemistry behind cheese quality - Francesco Bonomi (DeFENS, Milan)

MONDAY 1 July 2024

Tasting what “Made in Italy” means: Wine

Date: Monday, 1 July 2024
Time: 19:30-21:00
Location: Cascina Cuccagna - Via Privata Cuccagna, 2/4, Milano

The farmhouse can be reached by these public transportation options:
Metro Yellow Line MM3: Lodi TIBB stop and walk for 500 m
or Metro Green Line MM2: Caiazzo stop and take trolleybus #92; get off at viale Umbria/Via Muratori and walk for 130 m
or Metro Red Line MM1: Cordusio stop and take streetcar #16; get off at V.le Umbria/Via Comelico and walk for 400 m

Curiosity: See above

Price: 25 € (VAT included). The ticket can be purchased through your Congress participant account.

Minimum number of participants: 40 (the event won’t be held with less than 40 participants).
Maximum number of participants: 60

About the event: A one-hour experience followed by a light aperitif at an 17th century farmhouse. Diversity in sensory perception will be illustrated with an emblematic case study on wine. Attendees will have the opportunity to be guided in the sensory description of wine through appearance, smell, taste and mouthfeel.

The five senses at work: a case study on wine - Monica Laureati & Camilla Cattaneo (DeFENS, Milan)

Uncovering the effects of wine molecules - Mauro Maccarrone (University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila)

Tasting what “Made in Italy” means: Pasta

Date: Monday, 1 July 2024
Time: The event will be held twice so participants are asked to reserve their spot selecting one of the following time slots:

• First round: 19:00-20:00
• Second round: 20:00-21:00

Location: Mercato Centrale Milano - Via Giovanni Battista Sammartini, 2 (Milano Central Railway Station)
The ‘central market’ is located at the left side of the central railway station. It is easy to be reached through Metro Green Line MM2 and Metro Yellow Line MM3 (Central Station stop). Looking at the station, the market is on the left

Price: 30 € (VAT included). The ticket can be purchased through your Congress participant account. It includes the experience and a card with a value of 20 € that can be used at all the market stands.

Minimum number of participants: 20 per group (the event won’t be held with less than 20 participants).
Maximum number of participants: 30 per group

About the event:  A one-hour experience at the vibrant central market. The relevance of protein–protein interactions and the (many) ways of rearranging them will be discussed and framed into a general view of the structure–quality relationship in pasta. Appropriate pasta cooking tricks will be demonstrated, and the point used by professionals for pasta scoring will be discussed and presented, also in practical terms.

Why Italians do it better: pasta at the molecular level - Stefania Iametti (DeFENS, Milan)

Show cooking and pasta appreciation guidelines - Gerardo Dal Bon (industrial pasta expert) De Cecco spa, Fara San Martino (Pescara)

Tasting what “Made in Italy” means: Fashion

Date: Monday, 1 July 2024
Time: 19:30-21:00

Location: Istituto Lombardo - Accademia di Scienze e Lettere) - Via Brera, 28, Milano
The Istituto Lombardo Accademia di Scienze e Lettere is a cultural reality that has been rooted in the city and Lombardy for more than 200 years. The Institute, located in Milan in the Brera district, is first and foremost a seat of memory, starting with the precious archival and book heritage it preserves, but also a lively reference context for research, higher education and culture in general.

Price: 20 € (VAT included). The ticket can be purchased through your Congress participant account.

Minimum number of participants: 50 (the event won’t be held with less than 50 participants).
Maximum number of participants: 70

About the event: A fashion show followed by a light aperitif. Speakers will start a debate on the role of research (including materials and their sustainability) in the world of fashion at large.

Fashion: the future trend

Fashion Show: Stylish clothes from recycled textiles

A sustainable fashion platform: generating new value from textile waste - Elena Rosini (University of Insubria, Varese)

Guided visits in Milano

MONDAY 1 July 2024
Guided visit to the historical architectural heritage of the University of Milano

Date: Monday, 1 July 2024
Time: 19:30-20:30
Location: University of Milano, Via Festa del Perdono, 7

The University of Milano is at 15-minute walk from Duomo square, easy to reach by Metro Yellow Line MM3 (Missori) and Metro Red Line MM1 (Duomo). 

Price: 10 € (VAT included). The ticket can be purchased through your Congress participant account.

Minimum number of participants: 15 per group (the event won’t be held with less than 15 participants).
Maximum number of participants: 35 per group

About the event: A guided visit, organized by a University Professor, in the 17th century Richini courtyard and the ancient cloisters. Earphones will be provided.

TUESDAY 2 July 2024

Guided visit to modern and contemporary art works of the University of Milano

Date: Tuesday, 2 July 2024
Time: 19:30-20:30
Location: University of Milano, Via Festa del Perdono, 7
The University of Milano is at 15-minute walk from Duomo square, easy to reach by Metro Yellow Line MM3 (Missori) and Metro Red Line MM1 (Duomo).

 Price: 10 € (VAT included). The ticket can be purchased through your Congress participant account.

Minimum number of participants: 15 per group (the event won’t be held with less than 15 participants).
Maximum number of participants: 35 per group

About the event: A guided tour to discover the works of modern and contemporary art kept in Ca' Granda, from the iconic Minerva by Lucio Fontana to the work of Jannis Kounellis in the atrium of the educational sector, to the imposing Saint Ambrose by Adolfo Wildt. Earphones will be provided.