The External Advisory Committee visits the Structural Biology Unit

On 16^th and 17^th November, the members of the External Advisory Committee (EAC) visit for the first time the SBU. The EAC is a distinguished group of experts in the structural biology field: Maria Arménia Carrondo, from the Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica of the University Nova de Lisboa, Pedro Alzari, from Institut Pasteur at Paris; and Ulrich Baumann, from University of Cologne. The EAC has a very important role: to provide counsel and help to the SBU to achieve its goals. From their advice the SBU will enhance research excellence, foster their strengths and improve on weaknesses.

The aim of this first meeting was to present the 2015-2019 strategic plans for the unit and the actual situation at scientific, administrative and human resources levels. During two days, EAC met the scientific direction and principal investigators that explained SBU general situation and each group research projects. They also met all the PhD students and Postdocs to discuss with them about their situation. The meeting has been a very interesting experience and a very helpful tool.