“It was an amazing mix of lectures, nature, and great people.”

This September, Bio4Energy PhD student Alexandra Aveling packed her bags for a week of science and discovery at the Nanochemistry Camp in Iseo, Italy, a small lakeside town surrounded by mountains and olive trees.
To get there, she chose a scenic and memorable route by train, traveling all the way from Umeå through Stockholm, Hamburg, Munich, Verona, and Brescia, before reaching the shores of Lake Iseo.

The camp brought together young researchers and professors from 21 countries to connect, learn, and exchange ideas in nanochemistry. The setting, a cozy campsite right by Lake Iseo, naturally blended serious science with a spirit of adventure.
During the week, participants attended inspiring talks by world-leading scientists, including Nobel Laureate Professor Morten Meldal, who joined the group for dinner, sharing stories from his remarkable research journey.

Alexandra presented her work on self-generated carbon (SGC), tiny spherical structures made from waste biomass, during a lively poster session held by the lake, a truly special setting for sharing science.

“It was one of those moments when you realize how much you can learn just by talking with others who are as passionate as you,” she says.

Outside the sessions, the group explored Monte Isola by foot, went kayaking on Lake Iseo, and visited the historic city of Brescia, including the archaeological site of the Capitolium.
The week concluded with a memorable gala dinner at the Berlucchi winery, where participants received certificates of attendance and celebrated the best poster presentations, a fitting finale to a week filled with science, learning, and connection.

“I will forever cherish this experience, the conversations shared, and the connections made.”

The Nanochemistry Camp turned out to be more than just a scientific camp, it was a week of friendship, creativity, and inspiration.

                    Maybe next summer, it will be your turn to join the camp?